The alternative to this policy is, of course, simple. It
appears that there was no doubt that if we had approached the German Government in a friendly spirit it would have willingly agreed to our remaining in Cologne until next August on the grounds of expediency and in order to avert the necessity of a French occupation. However, for reasons which have not been Made publie, the GoVernMent has preferred not. take this simple' course, but has chosen Lord .CUrzon to announce that without consultation or arrangement with • Germany, we are siniply going to sit tight in . Cologne.
The effect on German opinion has been serious. Most German newspapers affect to regard our action as proof that the new British Government still looks upon Germany as a conquered vassal State, with whose Government it is not worth• while to make any arrange- ments, and which must be held down by force of aims for apparently an unlimited period. They say that any trea'.4'es or agreements can easily be " interpreted ," by us to give legal sanction to whatever is done. Of course the French pretend that the legal period of occupa- tion has not even yet begun owing to Germany's default. But according to such reckoning the occupation might go on for ever. The ordinary British view is • that for practical purposes Germany has fulfilled the Treaty. We hope that Mr. Chamberlain will make it clear that we do not intend to stay in Cologne after August.
