“The Russian Government have certainly given us cause for complaint in that direction,” Mr. Mervin Brown admitted.  “Strong representations are being made to them at the present moment.  On the other hand, the reason for their attitude is easily enough understood.  In the days when Russia lay exhausted, foreigners took too much advantage of her, attained far too close a grip upon her great natural resources.  Russia has determined that what she has left she will keep to herself.  The attitude is reasonable, although I am free to admit that she is carrying her legislation against foreigners too far.”

“What about the number of men she has under arms every year?” Monsieur Senn enquired.

“Russia has always a possible danger to fear from China, the new Colossus of Asia,” the Prime Minister pointed out.  “Even Russia herself has not made such strides within the last fifteen years as China.  The secession of the Asiatic countries from the League of Nations demanded certain precautions which Russia is justified in taking.”

The Frenchman had risen to his feet, but he still lingered.  A tall man, of commanding presence, with olive complexion, deep brown eyes, and black hair lightly streaked with grey, Monsieur Felix Senn had been a great figure in the war of 1914-1918 and had retained since a commanding position in French politics.  It had often been said that nothing but his great friendship for England had prevented his gaining the highest honours.  His present mission, therefore, which was practically to end the alliance between the two countries, was a peculiarly painful one to him.

“I must tell you before we part, Mr. Mervin Brown,” he said gravely, “that neither I nor many of my fellow countrymen share your optimism.  You seem to have inherited the timeworn theory that the War of 1914 was entirely provoked by the junker class of Germans.  That is not true.  It was a people’s war, and the people have never forgotten what they were pleased to consider the harsh terms of the Treaty of Peace.  Then as regards Russia, have you ever considered that Russia financially and politically is more than half German?  When Germany lost the war, she had one great consolation—­she acquired Russia.  You have compared the economic condition of France to-day with that of your country, sir.  I admit your commercial supremacy, but let me tell you this.  I would not, for the greatest boon the gods could offer me, see France in the same helpless state as England is in to-day.”

The Prime Minister rose also to his feet.  He wore an air of offended dignity.

“Monsieur Senn,” he declared, “the spirit of militarism is in the blood of your country.  You cannot rid yourself of it in one generation or two.  But, believe me, no people’s government at any time in the future, whether it be English, Russian, German, or American, will ever dare to suggest or even to dream of a war of aggression or revenge.  If we are comparatively unprotected, it is because we need no protection.  We hear the footfall of your marching millions, and we thank God that that sound is represented in our country by the roar of machinery and the blaze of furnaces.”