misinterpreted by an over-zealous French censor.

It only adds to the indignity and irony of the situation to say
that young Cummings is an enthusiastic lover of France and so
loyal to the friends he has made among the French soldiers, that
even while suffering in health from his unjust confinement, he
excuses the ingratitude of the country he has risked his life to
serve by calling attention to the atmosphere of intense suspicion
and distrust that has naturally resulted from the painful
experience which France has had with foreign emissaries.

Be assured, Mr. President, that I have waited long--it seems like
ages--and have exhausted all other available help before
venturing to trouble you.

1. After many weeks of vain effort to secure effective action by
the American Ambassador at Paris, Richard Norton of the
Norton-Harjes Ambulance Corps to which the boys belonged, was
completely discouraged, and advised me to seek help here.

2. The efforts of the State Department at Washington resulted as
follows:

i. A cable from Paris saying that there was no charge against
Cummings and intimating that he would speedily be released.

ii. A little later a second cable advising that Edward Estlin
Cummings had sailed on the Antilles and was reported lost.

iii. A week later a third cable correcting this cruel error and