The Times of Friday publishes a letter from Sir Valentine
Chirol on Baron de Reuter's explanation to the Press Association of the attitude of Reuter's Agency towards " the German organization for influencing the Press of other countries "—the organization upon which Sir Edward Goschen reported from Berlin last winter. Sir Valentine Chirol declares that "this explanation would be more satisfactory if Baron de Reuter had stated what were his relations and those of Reuter's Agency with Wolff's Telegraphic Bureau, which has long been known to be controlled by the Press Bureau of the German Foreign Office." We confess that we have not sufficient knowledge of the circumstances to pronounce at the present moment any opinion which would be of value, and we must, of course, presume, till the contrary is proved, that Baron de Reuter and his Agency have a complete answer to any suggestions that may be made as to their having been under German influence. We agree, however, that Sir Valentine Chirol has a perfect right to ask questions, and we see nothing unfair or unreasonable in his final request :—
" No doubt Baron de Reuter will be able to afford the British public that explanation, but ho owes it to the Agency over which he presides, as well as to the British public, to explain clearly what have been his relations and those of Reuter's Agency with Wolff's Bureau, with the character of which he should surely have been well acquainted."
Sir Valentine Chirol's high standing amongst English journalists, and the great public services he has rendered to his country, must free him from all suspicion of unfairness or pettiness in controversy. We feel confident, therefore,
that Baron de Reuter will answer the question put to him in the fullest and clearest way and so dispose of the incident.
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