[To the Editor of the Spectator.] Sta,—In the discussion evoked
by the Ruhr Valley occupation there is strikingly manifest a singular absence of that pene- trating analysis and temperate judgment which usually characterizes discussion in the responsible British Press. It would also appear to be the prevailing impression in Great Britain that American public opinion is preponderantly in mourning for the much-abused German people, and is univer- sally breathing imprecations on the tyrannous French mili- tarists. Excluding from consideration that discredited ele- ment imbued with Teutonic proclivities, the great majority here that follow European events with keen interest are unequivocally well disposed toward French intervention.
France has the unimpeachable moral right to force restitu- tion. The invocation of points of international law by a notorious violator cries to heaven, accompanied by a dis- cordant echo from London. Few rational writers would venture the prediction that America or Great Britain would have exhibited the fortitude under similar provocation that France has exercised. Goaded to action and haunted by the spectre of the American debt, alas ! she is deprived at this critical juncture of the good will of the Anglo-Saxon Governments.
Unfortunately, the American administration is reluctantly influenced in this crisis by the pressure of that same mis- understanding (a mild term) which renders the equitable consideration of the British debt inexpedient at this time. But France has millions of friends in America, and we feel confident that a wide section of the generous British public, even in the face of such a deplorable unemployment situation, would not permit considerations of trade to defeat the ends of justice. The Cenotaph looms dimly through London's circumambient fog. "E Piuribus Unum."—I am, Sir, &c., HERBERT B. ALLEN.
105 West 81st Street, New York, N.Y., February 9th.
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