"But you have been very modest," I said. "We really have had little
information about the French Army and what it is doing, unless more
news is going over since I left."
"We are more modest than the Germans, then?"
"You are, indeed. There are several millions of German-born Americans
who are not likely to let America forget the Fatherland. There are
many German newspapers also."
"What is the percentage of German population?"
I told him. I think I was wrong. I think I made it too great. But I
had not expected to be interviewed.
"And these German newspapers, are they neutral?"
"Not at all. Very far from it."
I told him what I knew of the German propaganda in America, and he
listened intently.
"What is its effect? Is it influencing public opinion?"
"It did so undeniably for a time. But I believe it is not doing so
much now. For one thing, Germany's methods on the sea will neutralise
all her agents can say in her favour--that and the relaxation of the
restrictions against the press, so that something can be known of what
the Allies are doing."
"You have known very little?"
"Absurdly little."
There was some feeling in my tone, and he smiled.
"We wish to have America know the splendid spirit of the French Army,"
he said after a moment. "And the justice of its cause also.
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