. The Washington correspondent of the Times—and we are sure
he is right—thinks that nothing will serve now but a frank facing of the facts by France and some practical proposition that will satisfy American opinion. America is quite prepare , e are sure, to make allowances, but she has no sympath or anything that masks repudiation. It is rather pits that a succession of French Government's have not'appeired to understand how important American support is for France or to under- stand in the least on • what terms that support may be, kept and on what terms it is sure to be 16st. One of the most curious instances of a prevailing international sentiment has been the long-standing affection of America for France dating back to the War of Inde- pendence and to the first years of the nineteenth century. Nothing seemed likely to break that sentimental link, although there was little personal knowledge between the two countries to maintain it. When the Great War came the friendship between France and America was possibly hindered rather than helped by personal contact. Yet, _immediately afterwards the old tradition again asserted itself, and popular sympathy in America was
at first rather more with France than with us- over the .
occupation of the Ruhr. Now there is another revulsion. We earnestly trust that France, before it is too late, will come to understand that the good will of America is an essential part of her security.
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