[To the Editor' of the SPECTATOR.] Slit,—I have been a
regular subscriber to the Spectator for some years and have come to look upon your weekly leading article as a sort of political vade-mecum. The Yorkshire Post, my daily paper, and the Spectator have always represented to me everything that is sane and healthy in journalism. It is, therefore, with much regret that I am now compelled to join issue with you on the subject of France's action against Germany. This action may not attain the desired end. Who can tell ? At least, however, it seems more likely to do so than to wait four years and then to have to renew the struggle with a recalcitrant debtor, who will probably be in a more implacable mood and will certainly be in a better position to defy the Allies than to-day. It would be interesting to have from you some valid reason for believing that Germany will then pay even the reduced reparations.
It is curious that I should find myself to-day on this subject more in agreement with that part of the Press for which I have always entertained something akin to contempt. It is singular also that I meet very few people that do not share my views. It seems to me that by not supporting France our Government is encouraging Germany. If, therefore, her action should end in disaster, part of the blame will fall on this country, which left her no other alternative likely to lead to success. Would it not have been sufficient if our rulers had registered their protest and yet given France the same support that Belgium and Italy are doing ? Is it because they are afraid of the Socialist (I will not say Labour) Party ?—I am, Sir, &c.,
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