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Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1923, Page 3

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HOUSE OF COMMONS.

THE PREMIER'S STATEMENT. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, July 12 Mr Baldwin's statement in the Commons was eagerly awaited by a crowded house. 110 said ho indulged in the hope that, they would soon he able to arrive at an agreement regarding the terms. Government conlidentially invited the sympathetic consideration of tho whole of the allies and all the interested States, to tho proposals which had no other aim than the pacification of Europe and recovery ot tho exhausted world. Reviewing the position he strongly emphasised the community of the thought, and action which

hound Britain in the present emerv goiicy to the Allies. He made es- ’ peeially sympathetic allusion to France. The British Government was moved ns the Governments of France other Allies by a single desire that goodwill between the nations who had endured together, should be mainj tnined and each obtain her due. lie emphasised that British anticipations regarding the consequences of the Ruhr occupation were largely realised. Ail indefinite occupation by one country of the territory of another in time of peace was a phenomenon rare and regrettable in itself to which an lioncurable end should as soon as possible he found. Peace would not finally be obtained and recovery ensured until a solution was found of reparations, settlement of intcr-Allied debts and security of a pacified Europe. Referring to the Allies common desire for settlement and pacification without further or unreasonable delay, lie said that whispers of interested parties cannot he allowed on either side of the Channel, or any side of Europe to dc- ' fleet us from that duty, by any reservations of carefully fostered misunderstandings. We are as determined as any of our Allies I hat. Germany shall make reparations for the damage done "Tri the great war to tho fullest extent of her eapaeity. We never wavered on this point uml do not believe the people ever will. Indeed we arc ready to use every measure to compel Germany to pay up to the amount of her capacity.

Mr Baldwin emphasised that spirit o' sincere loyally and alliance contained in the Government’s opinion, ’.'as the main seeuritv to European peace. We are convinced the present state of affairs in Ruhr is fraught with grave peril. The local population in many cases were suffering severely there. The shortage of food in every country .-—of Europe was paying the price of this state of affairs. He referred to the serious effect on British trade and continued unemployment, which involved an expenditure of four hundred million

since tho armistice. It was becoming evident that the attitude of tho principal parties concerned must he more clearly defined and the period of conflict, as soon as possible terminated. The debtor should not merely he called upon to pay the del.it but he placed in a position where lie can do so. Government has no desire to deprive France and IfcoUsinm of thoir Ic*p;al claims, but wished to assist in - their realisation.

y The positive results of ]>caco could rjpr* not be secured until three questions were settled:—Firstly, the payment of the reparations; secondly, the sett lenient. of the inter-Allicd debts; thirdly, the security of a pacified Europe. Wo have every reason to believo that tho views of the Italian ■Government are substantial and in agreement with our own. Referring to the German Note -Mr Baldwin said that lie was unable to agree that correspondence of this nu- _ lure should wholly lie one sided or proposals which may he found to contain the germs of a possible settlement should he I rented with indifference We hold that they should he examined ' —and explored in order to discover wbe--HJer there lies within them the possibility of progress, What the exact nature of the reply would he it was premature to discuss them at the present stage. We do not believe that in principle we arc wholly separated, if at all, from our Allies. A divergence from this method should not be incapable of solution, and so far as united action is possible we shall continue to pursue it.

MR BALDWIN’S STATEMENT

FAVORABLE COMMENT

‘Received this <l;iv at 8.30 a.in.) LONDON, July 13. The terms of Hon Baldwin's stntemont were not (iimlly settled by Cttbinet until three o’clock. Every word in the Commons was read from a typewritten sheet. 3he tact that the opposition contributed the most cheers, caused comment in the lobby. Enrpiiries union." .Ministerialists, however, show general satisfaction, it a lack of enthusiasm, which was due to doubts whether practical results will emerge and the Note prove more to France’s liking than Mr Ha Id win s

, quest mint ire. |,|oyd Georgian* discussed the statement at a subsequent meeting, when surprise was expressed that more definite decisions were not reached, after several weeks deliberations. Asquithians are favourably impressed and the Labour Party is cordially hopeful that the Government's efforts will prove successful. Opinion in diplomatic circles is that the statement has constituted a siren" act, expressed with diplomatic mastery.

The. “Daily Telegraph" says the sug-

jrpstion in the British note regarding an international commission to assess Germany's eapneit.v for payment, wdi probably lie framed in a. way which will hrin" the commission into harmony with the Versailles Treaty, by associating its authority and labours with those of the Reparations Commission. The Premier limy make to-day a stalet moot regarding the measure and form " wherein the American interests may he associated with the solution. It should he clearly understood that yesterday's statement was merely initial and will he supplemented hy a fuller one dealing with the results of the negotiations with the Allies regarding a collective answer. It is understood the note is already partly drafted. It will he completed and sent to the Allies at the earliest moment. If M. Poincare does not approve, Britain will make a separate reply.

PRESS COMMENT. (Received this dav at 9.-I5 a.in.) LONDON, July 13. The “Morning Post” welcomes Mr Baldwin’s statement as the first instalment of a definite foreign policy for which the country is grateful. The “Daily Telegraph” says the country is compelled to abandon the policy of aloofness and seek by practical methods a wav for our friends and ourselves out of the chaotic situation wherein all are involved. That is Government’s intention, which is expressed with the simplest unquestionable nonesty.

The “Daily Chronicle” doubts whether it was wise to with-hold from the woild the account of the recent negotiations. The “Westminster Gazette” remarks that the statement means that Britain is preparing to take a lead in a belated but determined effort to prevent the fiiin of Europe.

PARIS. July 13. The “Quai D’Orsay' 1 published only Inc briefest summary of Mr Baldwin’s statement. At eight o’clock officials expressed satisfaction at the omission of reference loan eventual separate action.