THE EXPULSION OF THE SOVIET MISSION
[To the Editor of the Sem-Tama.]
Sui,—That the expulsion of the Soviet Mission, in view of the disclosures, was entirely warranted, no self-respecting person would dispute. From the standpoint of principle, no other course could be taken. But was it expedient ? I ask this not by way of suggesting any parity between principle and expediency. Far from it. Once the conflict definitely appears in the open, considerations of expediency must yield to those of principle. What part of the pro- cedure, then, lies open to question ? It is the raid itself. All that the raid revealed was practically known, or con- jectured.
If only we had the sincerity to admit it, there is not an Embassy anywhere that could emerge unscathed from a thoroughgoing scrutiny. There is not an individual being who would not suffer in his fellows' estimate were his innermost designs laid bare. To pry into secret recesses is always a risky undertaking. What puts the Soviet's case in a category by itself is their inherent malignity. But that should have been considered before entering into official relationship with them. This established, the raid was well advised only if a rupture was desired. If the break was imperative, and it had become merely a matter of justifying the act of summary ejection in the eyes of public opinion and the ivorld generally, the raid had point, not otherwise.
A personal experience occurs which illustrates my point. A few summers ago I spent some weeks in Carlsbad. One day a Viennese lady confided to me an anxiety, and asked for advice. It was known to her, she told me, that her husband, instead of arriving that day to join her, according to plan, was seen to get off in Marienbad with a strange woman.
"Do you want to break with him ? " I asked her. "No, I do not," she promptly answered.
"Then don't by any means let on that you knew of his escapade, for he never would have the same regard for you if, even with ample scolding, you put up with it ; infinitely better to leave him in the fear of detection. On the other hand, now that you have this information, now that you know how unstable toward you is his attachment, try to utilize this knowledge by adopting a different approach, by employing a fresh set of appeals to his affection."
I saw the pair next day strolling arm in arm, smiling and chatting.
The analogy limps-- I know it.—I am, Sir, &c., •
11 King Street, St. James's, S.W. 1. GABRIEL \NELL&
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