BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1924, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

LATEST CABLE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. AXGI.O-FRKXCIf I! FI-ATrOXS. LONDON, February 7. TJie Anglo-French relations hare not liter, so cordial for some time as they are now. .\f. Poincare and Mr Mai Don- ' aid are on the friendliest terms. No meeting has yet been ananged between them, hut it is understood that Mr .MacDonald is anxious for a meeting, and that when it is held. It shall deal with, definite propositions, based on the re forts of the two Expert Committees on the subject of the reparations, wl.ioli may he expected shortly. The view of the British (loveiiimeni is that, unless something new and unexpected occurs, the British policy that i. now being formulated will he acceptable at Paris. ft i.s a policy of sympathy, hut also one of great firmness, in protecting Britain's legitimate international interests. It is impossible to deal with the if neat ion of tile French debt to Britain until the British Government receives the reparaTion rvpuiia. The British Government dues not intend to regard the French debt as a sepal ate issue, but- rather as a negotiable asset in conjunction with the ollie oul-landing oiie.si.iuns. It is understood that Mr .MacDonald is anxious for all Anglo-French ngrooineid upon tie* policy, and that it shall lie a real and effective contribution to European peace. He is anxious to invito the co-operation of the Foiled States, and to .secure the sympathy and interest of the smaller European Nations. The British Government hopes that ill:, formal recognition of Russia will he the first step towards the accomplishment of much practical work of sever i Commissions which will he established to deal with the outstanding problems, including the debts. ft is the intention of tin* British Government to establish machinery to deal with the important 'piestioii of anti-British propaganda, which nm.-f he settled. The Cabinet is unanimous in it.- belief (hid tbo effectiveness of the League of Nations is conditional upon the accession of Germany and Itussia to it.