[To the Editor of the Seecr,vron.]
Sra,—I have carefully read the recent White Paper on the Ruhr matter, and your articles on the same subject in your issue of August 18th. To me, an American, it has been saddening and discouraging to read that the British Cabinet, at the time of the occupation of the Ruhr by France, deliber- ately concealed from the public opinion of the world their knowledge of the fact that such occupation was in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. Mr. J. H. Thomas did well to characterize such diplomacy as "deceit." It certainly misled American public opinion, and that to the detriment of England. More than that, it was using the Treaty as a "scrap of paper" and for purposes similar to those of Germany in invading Belgium. The saddest part of it all is that Great Britain thus tacitly consented to the flagrant violation of Germany's rights under a solemn treaty to which she was a party. And now, the Spectator tells us that in pursuance of this illegal invasion some 60,000 Germans have been deprived of their homes, and one hundred have been shot. As far as I can judge, no one in power in London cares a straw about that ; all they are seeking is "trade," just as all the Paris Government wants is " reparations." And you, perhaps, wonder that President Harding called the American troops home from the Rhine, and that Americans distrust European diplomacy.—I am, Sir, &e.,
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