The Guardian (And Evening star,with which is in-Corporate the west coast Times.) FRIDAY, JULY 27th. 1923 FRANCO-BRITISH NEGOTIATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1923, Page 2

The Guardian (And Evening star,with which is inCorporate the west coast Times.) FRIDAY, JULY 27th. 1923 FRANCO-BRITISH NEGOTIATIONS.

AA iiatkvkr the- outcome of the present Franco-British negotiations in regard to the French action in Germany and tile ultimate arrangements between the two Powers to obtain what is passible from Germany way of reparations, tne changed attitude of the Frenci) statesmen and press towards Britain and her statesmen is hopeful at least. The pronouncement of the British Prime Minister lately in tho Commons appears to have had n steadying effect on France. Mr Stanley Baldwin did not say anything specially new, nor did he make a very definite declaration as regards a line- of policy. What he said has been said over and over again by his predecessors, who lind weighed the position no less thoroughly and thoughtfully. Probably it was the way in which he said it-; for first we had the leaders in tho Commons applauding his attitude and statement, then the British press and finally in France the reports cf the speech were received not ungraciously. Yet. Mr Baldwin said nought to solve the difficult problems at- issue. In effect he urged patience and a close examination of what Germany could do towards making financial amends. Certainly he indicated in graceful language that the present situation as far as Britain was concerned could not go on indefinitely. Britain could not afford much longer to remain passive. The sign of awakening seemed to stir the thoughts of all concerned, and in this declaration was to be seen the germ of a policy which

wi ukl have a quickening effect on the E' repean situation. Since then Britain

sent her closely guarded Note to France. The substance is not disclosed. The French Premier who so often has spoken very impulsively in regard to weighty matters, is with-holding his public declaration on the contents of the Note. Indeed, the considered French reply thereto is not to be sent for some days. All this indicates that France is now using her head. The Commons speech by .Mr Baldwin indicated clearly that in the mind of Britain, the French invasion of the Ruhr was ‘‘fraught with grave peril.” France was told that over and over lie fore, but brushed the statement aside, and indicated she would have her own sweet way, cost, what it may. But just now France does not brush the statement aside with any flippancy. There is tho evident realisation of the gravity of the situation. Germany is practically ill a, state of financial collapse, while politically there are all sorts of intrigue afoot. France, it is conceivable to think, is realisng what she was told repeatedly, that she was going too far, and quite on the wrong lines to achieve her ends. Her action has not resulted in any better security than what she had before she ventured on the exploit in the Ruhr. Franco is realising no doubt that she must modify her attitude, for Germany daily is going from bad to worse. The course of events is justifying tho British attitude for sweet reasonableness, and

Franco is coming to icgard it as necessary if she is to retain the close cooperation of her greatest Ally, that she must temporise at least, and give some allegiance to the wishes of Britain, which never faltered in the strenuous days of the Great War to exert, her might tu the fullest extent to save France from the common enemy. So. we may expect :i better understanding between the two nations, and that cemented, there will he some hope for the unravelling of the major entanglement of Kurope’s greatest trouble and difficultv.