Despite the discouragement recorded in the preceding chapter, Keynes was heartened by the reception of his book. He took a more optimistic tone in writing to Oscar T. Crosby, whom he had known as the American chairman of the Inter-Ally Council on War Purchases and Finance.

To OSCAR T. CROSBY, 10 February 1920

My dear Crosby,

I was delighted to hear from you again and to get your letter of the 2nd January. I hope that by now my book is in your hands (I instructed my publisher to send you a copy as from the author), and I shall be most interested to learn both how it strikes you as a whole and your impression of its general reception in Washington. Over here matters are moving fast and it is hardly an exaggeration to say that my main conclusions are now disputed by no one. Italy I hear is almost as free from illusion as England is rapidly becoming. I wish the same could be said of France.

I have the greatest confidence in an ultimate understanding between the Old and the New World. Indeed the present process of disillusionment and the abandonment of hollow phrases and false pretences is an absolutely necessary stage in the ultimate progress towards that end. There are no people with whom it is easier to keep up agreeable humbug than with the Americans, and no people with whom such a course is more completely futile in the long run.

I am delighted that you are now better in health and able again to undertake literary work.