“PERNICIOUS, IMMORAL”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 444, 28 August 1928, Page 9

“PERNICIOUS, IMMORAL”

FORGED BRITISH LETTER PUBLICATION IN AMERICA SENSATION CAUSED IN NEW YORK /United P.A.—By Telegraph—Copyright j (Australian and N.Z. Press AssociationJ Reed. 9.5 a.m. LONDON, Monday. Having perused a copy of Sir Austin Chamberlain's alleged letter to M. Briand, published in the “New York World,” the Foreign Office describes it as a pernicious, immoral forgery, which might have serious international consequences, but for its quick exposure. Yesterday the Foreign Office made an announcement to the effect that a sensational document purporting to be a letter _ from Sir Austen Chamberlain, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, to M. Briand, French Foreign Minister, about Franco-British cooperation on the sea and in the air, which has been given prominence in the American Press, Is a forgery. The supposed letter in question was cabled from London to New York. It purported to set forth at length that co-operation between Britain and France in the Pacific and in the Far East was a necessity. It also urged consultation between Brit&h and French military and air experts for joint action in future disputes. According to messages received in London from New York this evening the publication of the document has caused a sensation. It is revealed that the forged letter was hawked in London for a week or ten days. Several newspapers refused it owing to its doubtful authenticity. At least one considered the price not worth paying. Eventually it found its way to New York. Opinions are divided about the reasons for the forgery, though the original price asked suggests that it was prompted by monetary consideration.