The long-awaited German reply to the joint Anglo-French proposal of 3 February has arrived at last. It disappointed even Vansittart’s modest expectations. Hitler consented only to the air convention, which he wants to detach entirely from the context of the London programme. The rest is of no concern to him. He offers not the slightest hope of consent even in regard to the Rome agreements. The Eastern Pact, disarmament, and a return to the League of Nations are all taboo…