BELGIAN POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1924, Page 3

BELGIAN POLITICS.

FRANCE ISOLATED. [nv TKI.KOItAIMf—-PER TRESS ASSOCIATION.] LONDON, Feb 28. The Daily Telegraph’s Paris correspondent says; The newspapers admit the fall of the Theunis Government in Belgium must be regarded as a direct protest against the Belgian participation in the Ruhr occupation, and as expression of the desire that Belgium, bv freeing herself from association with France, should resume a most independent position among the Allies. 'Hie “Soir” says: France is now isolated. England is hostile to her. Italy does not hide her antipathy. Switzerland is not too Friendly. Little by little M. Poincare’s policy is bringing its hitter fruits.

Papers also refer to tho moral isolation wherein France finds herself.

FRENCH. COMMENT. (Received this dav at 9.45 a.in A LONDON, February 29. The press correspondent of the “Times" says :—“There is a distinctly nervous feeling berg over the Belgian pelitieal crisis. Tt is fully recognised the disappearance of IT. Theunis means that Belgium is tired of following the way of France and intends, in lutine. In assert ami carry out her own policy, particularly as regards the Ruhr. Meantime, the question is. what will M. Poincare do in the face of the apparent beginning of the definite deseition of France on the part of Belgium.’’ The ‘'Echo de Paris” admits the withdrawal of Belgium from the Ruhr would he disastrous as France would ho isolated. The “be Temps,” which openly voices tile Government vic-w, l'rankly acknowledges that the vote which caused the downfall of M. Theunis cannot he adequately explained, unless interpreted as a vote on the Fruoro-Belgian policy • tint is to say, on the occupation of the Ruhr and one must recognise that, it was directed hv the policy of the Flench. The ‘'Times’’ Brussels correspondent, states that flic, difficult- in forming a new -Ministry arises from the Diet that no party in the Chamber has an absolute majority. If all attempts at Coalition Jail recourse may he had to a dissolution and a new election. Tho regular election is nut due till 1925. LABOUR TO SEEK POMER. LONDON, Fel). 29 The ' Daily t'lironielo’s” Brussel’s poirespondent says seventy per cent of the Soeiuli.-ts in the House ol 190 arc rode to toller.- Iho British Labourites; cz-TineK. and make a hid for power upon an almost identical programme including a capital levy, reduction, of military services, housing reform, unemployment insurance, old age pensions, eight hours day, nationalisation of new coalfields in Limburg and pacific settlements of European problems.