FRANCE AND GERMANY.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—The Press of Great Britain is overwhelmingly opposed to the policy of France, and argues exhaustively and with conspicuous ability that France should reduce its claim to £2,500,000,000, and abandon the policy of force. Germany must be greatly encouraged to hold out against France, having received in such large measure the support of the British Press. What practical purpose is to be attained by all the writing against the policy of France ? If France con- tinues to refuse acceptance of less than complete fulfilment of its demands, what is the alternative ?
Should the nations whose interests are so vitally affected not agree to contribute proportionally towards the solution of the financial problem? It is understood that the British Government is willing to forgo the debt due to it by France, on condition that a corresponding amount is written off the debt due to France by Germany. If the other nations con- cerned made corresponding contributions, the balance re- maining might be made payable in instalments over a period of, say, sixty years. This is a form of settlement which would be in the interests of Germany. It would be better that Germany should devote its energies to the payment of its debts rather than to preparing for another War.
The security which France demands against aggression by Germany is probably a more difficult problem even than the financial one. This is a question which concerns the peace of the world, and under the leadership of Great Britain and America there is reason to hope that a solution will be found. Until some other security is obtained, it is clear beyond the possibility of doubt that France cannot afford to give up that which it now holds.—I am, Sir, &e.,
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