HOUSE OF LORDS.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1923, Page 1

HOUSE OF LORDS.

| AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION*. BRITAIN’S POLICY. LONDON, April 20. Lord Buck-master, in the House of Lords, asked for the Government to make a statement of its policy in regard to the Ruhr. He said: “We •should make it plain to France that we do not approve of her policy, which fraught with danger and imposes upon ils great and unnecessary disabilities. I here was only one possible way for the world to reach settled conditions. and that was through enlarging tlie operations of the League of Nations.

Lord Ctirzon. in reply, said that Mr Bonnr Law’s terms, offered at the Palis Conference, and refused by France, v i-re more than generous. He doubted if they would, or could, have been made by ally other Power. The suggested withdrawal of the British forces would not meet with any support from the Government, and would cause dismay among the Allies. Lord Curzoii said the guiding principle had been to preserve the Entente. It was the basis of a European recovery. The policy of neutrality had been of great value. 11 was better to do nothing than to do wrong tilings. After reviewing the declaration made by France and Belgium. an dtlie suggestions by Germany since the occupation of tlie Ruhr, Lord Curzcn said tliat Germany had shown a capacity for resistance which had .surprised her opponents and friends. Recent debates in the Reichstag showed complete German unity in favour of continuing the resistance. AVns there ever a situation in the world more difficult ? The question to-day was who should take the first step? AVith a | view to securing a settlement, the Government wa.s keeping touch with both sides. The British policy was based on Die fact that Germany must pay within j the limits of her capacity. The Bri- ■ tisli proposals were not stereotyped. ; “AVe are prepared” he said, “to re- j sumo discussion on them, and*to state j frankly our proposals.” On the qttes- | tion of security. Lord Curzon said he | was not without hope tliat a solution | might yet he found.