(Ed. Note--The Crimson does not necessarily endorse opinions expressed in printed communications. No attention will be paid to anonymous letters and only under special conditions, at the request of the writer, will names be withheld. Only letters under 400 words can be printed because of space limitations.)

To the Editor of the Crimson:

The Crimson's editorial policy in regard to our country's part in the European war has been distinct, forthright, and consistent, but somehow unconvincing. May I point out two assumptions, each more or less crucial to your stand, which none of your editorials has met directly?

(1) Is it a fact that in 1917 our nation was "duped"? That we went to war through universal error? That President Eliot, Professor Perry, Wilson and all the rest of the political and intellectual elite who urged war were grossly deceived?

(2) What would be the results for the United States should Germany conquer in Europe? What would have been the result had Germany won in 1919?

If the Crimson, along with other groups, is right in assuming that we were mistaken in entering the last war and that a German victory in Europe will not endanger our national existence, then the policy of strict neutrality is justified. But until those two propositions are proved, such a policy represents blind vanity, insofar as it assumes the general stupidity of our fathers, and dangerous shortsightedness, insofar as it fails to anticipate the repercussions of a Nazi victory in Europe. Charles O. Porter '41.

Ed. note: 1) The "duping" of America in 1917 is now a catchword, having its basis in the fact that our military victory failed to achieve the ideals for which we fought. Thus it has no reference to the possible results of a German victory in 1919. These possibilities can only be subjects of speculation.

2) The whole country is wondering what a German victory will mean for us now, and many non-interventionists are finding it hard to maintain their position. Tomorrow the Crimson will discuss the new difficulties facing those who would keep America out of this war.