The message 200504300746.02202.johnseago@two-ravens.org.uk from John Seago johnseago@two-ravens.org.uk contains these words:
On Saturday 30 Apr 2005 06:26, Alan Pope alan.pope@gmail.com wrote:
I think it's commonly known as 'International English'.
No it was actually deliberate, in order to seperate the english spoken by the 'English', from that spoken by those in the newly independent USA. If I recall correctly it was the Webster of 'Webster's' Dictionary who came up with the alternate spellings.
Ah! The Devil and Mr. Webster! (I have the opera on vinyl...)