The Hokotika Guardian TUESDAY. JANUARY 9, 1923. THE RUPTURE.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1923, Page 2

The Hokotika Guardian TUESDAY. JANUARY 9, 1923. THE RUPTURE.

Thk breakdown of the Premiers’ Conference in Paris in regard to the Fran-co-British effort- to come to terms or an understanding on the payment of the German reparations appears to be a definite breakaway. The press of both countries, as well as the leading statesmen of the two nations, have been expressing their points of view very definitely. The rupture of the relations was self-evident for some time and the comment of the French press has been not at all helpful to the main-

Uumnce of the good relations. Sonic ol the remarks have I,ecu distinctly , uiil'i iemlly. One papei lalks of Britain's "narrow egotism." and another that England's diplomacy has sought again "to isolate" FitCnco. This is not very generous in III? light of Britain's action in August, 191-1, rushing to tin* relief of Eranee when she was re.ihor more than isoh.ied stirro;.tided in fact, by an enveloping enemy bent ini her destruction, England threw her whole strength into the saving of France, not counting the cost to herself, but giving generously of her materia! power to sate the situation. This suprome rn-t of self-devotion is forgotten by France, also the individual acts by the nation in rallying to the stierouv of France in every way possible. H is ! satisfactory to find that the British attitude to-day towaids the proposed French pressure on Germany, is on lines not at all dissimilar with the Gn- | vornmvnt immediately preceding, that I is. that Mr liouar Law is acting pre- | cisely as Mr Lloyd George did. An- . • other pleasing aspect is the awakening I interest of America in the European crisis. According to the entiles, the I New York press, though unanimous? i concerning the gravity or the situation , j arising out of the rupture at, the Pro- : i tnier’s Conference, shows differing atj tittides in considering the result. The •‘World” blames France and says: “A tumble responsibility rests upon her She has committed herself to measures . which, in the opinion of practically the whole world, are dangerous, provocative. ilnd self-defeating.’' The “Times" points out that Mr Hughes knew that the Premier's Conference would fail, and it asks, “will America step in and fulfil the promise contained in his speech?” Tn regard to the official attitude of the United States. Afr C. F.. Hughes. Secretary of Stale, addressing the American Historical Society at Newhnven. Connecticut, suggested that if statesmen cannot, agree regarding the reparations, they should , invite unofficial financial experts from j the respective countries acting without . Government instructions, to formulate an agreement on the amount ol .oprrnton. and a plan for payment. Mr Hughes emphasised the point that Governments need not hind themselves in advance to incept the findings, bur they would have the advaifyige of intpnr- i tin] advice, and an enlightenment of ( public opinion which would aid a poli- * licit 1 settlement. He declared: “The • economic conditions of F.urope give us 1 great concern. AAV cannot dispose of 11 these problems by calling them Euro- ' pean. for they are world problems, and *• wp cannot escape their injurious con- ° sequence:-: fiy a failure to settle them. They are. however. European problems ‘ m the sense that they cannot he solved without the consent of the Eu- () ropean Governments. The key to a q settlement is in their hands not ours. r . It is futile to attempt to erect any ~ economic structure in Europo until iq the loundation.s are laid. The United | States is not seeking general repara- <g tioiis. It. is only asking for a reim- ~, hursement of the costs of the army of $ occupation." Commenting Jpi the forts- j, going, .Mr Lloyd George has remarked: E

“I have rend with gladness Secretary Hughes's important speech, suggesting the appointment of a commission of financial experts on the reparations. As far as I can .judge from the compressed report of Mr Hughes's remarks, my suggestions travel in the same di- | reetion. All other experiments will merely postpone the mischief which, in the long run, will have to he redeemed, with usurious compound "interest, by an embarrassed Europe.” Perhaps, after all, the present serious position will mend itself sooner than is generally expected. It certainly will if America will step into the arena and back up Britain's attitude