Of course those risks ought to have been run, and
run with- out hesitation, if there was any chance of saving the Legations, and we do not believe that Russia or any other Power would have placed a prohibition on such action. Certainly we did not, as is shown by Mr. Brodrick's statements. But when it was evident that Pekin could not be reached, as it certainly could not have been, even by giving Japan a aeparate man- date, it would have been madness to have endangered the smooth working of the combination of Powers. We note with great regret the attempt made to saddle Russia with the special responsibility of preventing the Japanese taking action, and so with the massacre of the Legations. If such accusations are to be sown broadcast on the strength of Shanghai or Chefoo gossip, what possibility is there of a loyal co-operation among the Powers in their gigantic task, —one as heavy as that undertaken by the only other great European combination known to history, the Crusades P
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