The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1928. FRANCE AND GERMANY.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1928. FRANCE AND GERMANY.

Despite treaties and pacts, the natural antagonism and distrust between France and Germany must delay a settlement of the Rhineland issue which is one of the outstanding questions affecting a real settlement of the war. France has never forgotten the iron heel of Germany 'in the Bismarckinn days, and the desire for retaliation now is a trait of human nature with many prominent Frenchmen. M. Briand tho French Foreign Minister, may be some exception, hut he is still in the hands of the Cabinet, at the head of which is the implacable M. l'oineare, the- Premier. Still, overtures are progressing, and as Germany has everything to gain in a material way from whatever concessions are given, the demand for evacuation on tho liest possible terms will continue to be insistent from Germany till something of the objective desired is attained. Jjast week, the principal Powers of the war period were in conference in the British quarters at Geneva, and a stage was reached which was wnrrantry enough for M. Briand to return to Paris to consult his colleagues. There was an indication that the overtures had taken a more definite and more promising turn, Britain Maying a material part. Under the Locarno Pact, Britain has promised a good deal to assist France to a more secure frame of mind, and Lord Cushemlun, in the regrettable absence of Sir Austen Chamberlain for health reasons, is evidently playing a part no less important than bis predecessor who lias done so much for the two nations in the delicate relations existing between them. The evacuation proposals appear now to be a matter of bargaining for the best financial terms. Towards this the chief Powers are assisting with advice and Suggestion. Germany, from all accounts is recovering wonderfully from tho efforts of the war, and the financial improvement should assist her to clear her soil of standing troops the quicker. When France was in a similar plight at the time of the German occupation, a remarkable effort was made with .success to pay off the invaders in a short space of time. France will he angling to get hack all she can now, just as Germany will he Roving to make the liest bargain possible. Tn the interim since the present negotiations were in hand, some provocative speeches have been made, and the irresponsible press are saying a good deal which is not tending to n calm yeview of the problem . One disquiet-

ing phase is the silence of M. Poincare, who lias great political strength in France. An -expression of opinion from that quarter might indicate what there is in the hopes for a speedy settlement. If lie supports M. Briand all will be well, but if lie should veto the new line of action, these matters must go back to the unsettled conditions again. The natural French pride will he disposed to assort itself in the way of retaliation. It is understandable that there would have been more of that spirit were it not for Britain’s interposition. Yet it would appear that withal Britain has done lor France there often appears on the surface an element of distrust, and a complete misunderstanding of motives prompting British action. Britain, however, has been an invaluable friend to Franco. As the friend in need the services rendered can surely never be lorgotten. But French politicians are not disposed to be at all ready to accept British advice. Perhaps that is the way of politicians—to study their own posi : t ion rather than the national. However, the bargaining will bo pushed in this instance to the best results within the grasp of France, whatever Britain or the other Powers may suggest or advise. Oil that account any settlement cannot lie of too amicable a nature, but rather from a take it or leave it point of view, and on that account there will not lie much healing salve about the culmination of the arrangements.