Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1945. IMPROVED RELATIONS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 62, 22 December 1945, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1945. IMPROVED RELATIONS

Relations* between Britain and France have been at a very low ebb for a long time, due to many factors which neither nation could control, ibut which combined to create feelings of mistrust and suspicion. In addition, the stand taken by France in regard to the future control of the Ruhr and Rhineland did not help the position. -These matters were nearer home, but further afield, in Syria and the Lebanon and in Indo-China, the foreign policy of France did not help relations be-

tween the two great western nations. Now an agreement has been reached, or so it is reported, fixing the policy in regard tp the future of British and French troops in the Levant and Middle East. The terms 'of the agreement have not been made public, but the fact that understanding has been reached is sufficient to indicate that relations between the two have improved considerably. Syria and Lebanon have been a bone of contention for a long time, and the intervention of British forces away back in June was not calculated to help bring about reconciliation, or place relations on a more harmonious footing. London reports that an accommodation has been reached between Britain and France are therefore most welcome. The re-

moval of what, to the French especially, has been an apple of discord should clear the way for a wider agreement. France will have been put in better humour to settle Levantine questions by observing the helpful and disinterested policy pursued by Britain in Indo-China. There British forces, after assisting in the liberation of the colony and the restoration of French authority, have handed over to the French

as the latter have built up their garrisons. British action in IndoChina has gone a long way to

disarm French suspicions over Syria and Lebanon. There is one other factor which may have had some bearing on the improved relations which are now apparent, and that is the tendency toward the “polarisation”, of world affairs, with Moscow and Washington exerting opposite attractions. Russia has stated over and over again that she is not concerned with affairs in Europe. Her main concern is to make certain that never again will she face a threat from the West. The United States, similarly, has exhibited little concern over the future of Europe, but Britain and France are very much differently situated and it is most encouraging to note that they are at long last beginning to see eye to eye.