Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 20 August 1924, Page 2

Fuanck and (Jermany shaking hands at the signing <if tlio preliminary agreement respecting the reparations settlement. it is to ho hoped, has elinoheil the matter finally. Tt seems n little episode for the beginning of so great a bargain. The settlement has been a protracted business—requiring the creation of a new atmosphere to fully accomplish the task, great credit is lieing given to Mr Ramsay MacDonald for his part in the final adjustment of the matter, As a n?w figure in

the task, it was fortunate, also, that there was u loss jahtd French representativc. Tho two (trincirsil figures were thus removed from tho earlier attempt at a pence settlement and from the heat and rancour of former negotiations. The Gorman representatives on their part were, happily, also conciliatory, and though not assenting immediately to the Allied terms did not press unduly for alternative proposals without the range of practicability. The host of good humour j recalled, the parties having assembled really with a desire for a settlement. The so-called peace conditions were growing as irksome as had been the state of war with all its difficulties. What Inis been accomplished so far, is a basis for common action along lines possible lor a complete settlement.. Germany is being encouraged to work for a complete peace by the early evacuation of occupied territoiy. No doubt the British troops will lie withdrawn soon and the Belgian will follow. Bates are being fixed for the retirement of the French troops occupying advanced positions. This is a guarantee' of good faith which should have a good impression on Germany. The Allied loan to assist Germany rehabilitate. will now lx' a subject for early discussion, ft seems the only possible way to help on a peaceful security. and the move has been angled for for some time. It w - ill lie. in this connection where America will figure, and no donlit. help from that- source will not lie longer denied. The whole situation promises to clwar happily, and in the end will reveal a new Kurope. It 'till not materialise quickly. There is still much to he accomplished, he the wav is paved and the- opening is there for a material forward advance.

Tiik kudos being given the Uiiti.-h Prime Minister in regard to the settlement appears to he- woll-clesorvcwl .Mr Ramsay MacDonald has acted with patience and tact, llis overture's to France were the key to the position, and there is little doubt he won the confidence there almost from the outset. It is said Air MacDonald set himself specially to the task of shaping the peace of ’Europe. It was for that reason lie took the portfolio of Foreign Alfairs. ['ntraninicllcd by office or previous commitmeiits. lie was able to approach the crux of the' position, otter a long range' view from without, lie had life'll able »<> see where', the cause of failure was in the 1 past, and without stirring up hitter feelings, or in any way causing pain, lie was able to start negotiation- along now lines. 11.. bail, too, 1 lie benefit "1 Ihe tact tiial the tallies were all til's! ol a peace' which was lint peace; ol a 1-cllli-state of war. the cud ol which no olio coni': lorsce; of depleted treasuries and difficulties about further loans; of heaped up liabilities mounting higher lie. alls' of unpaid interest; of debased currencies and lost, credit. All these wc'ie factors in preparing the Enrol ean mind lor some new sclicioc* to end the t-e iiiomic difficulties all pointing to ruin and bankruptcy. Mr MacDonald proved admirably adept to handle the extremely difficult situation. IBs attitude from the outset was conciliatory and not aggressive l , lie* led the.' way as ii wen', anil did not force the position. The Allies were brought up to hi- point of view by easy stages, as it were, ami with restored unanimity in that direct ion, anil modified demands on Germany, the task became easier. Germany will he thinking in millions now for some lime. Her true panacea will la* work and production. \\ hat effect this is going to have on the rest of the world we need not speculate upon. If Germany has to find motley, she must do it from the markets for her p roil nets. It is going to have some elicit on economic conditions. I’rice's must drop to some extent, hut the fall can lie adjusted ill due course. It is sufficient for the moment that a beginning has been made after over live years 'I preliminary negotiations to settle the j

el Europe. Let us hope the ta-k i: tun going to In- beyond tho ability o tin nations to finally ticcotiiplisli.