ANOTHER DISAPPOINTMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 270, 12 November 1923, Page 4

ANOTHER DISAPPOINTMENT.

The breakdown in the negotiations over reparations between Britain. . America and France is profoundly disappointing, but not unexpected. The responsibility ig France's. A year ago the United States made a suggestion, for the solution of the reparations problem. France blocked the way. To-day, after i France has been in the Ruhr for ten months (illegally according to British opinion), and the capacity of Germany to pay has been gravely impaired, Britain approaches America for a renewal of the offer, Washington con- • sents, but France again blocks the way. . Tho American and British Governments hold that the scope of the proposed inquiry into German capacity must be wide, but France seeks to restrict it, and this is the cause of the breakdown. The consequences of this failure may be profoundly grave. Time, we are convinced, will show that France is mistaken in her line of action, and Britain and America are justified, but will wisdom come before Germany has sunk into irretrievable ruin, carrying with her, perhaps, other parta of Central Europe? The one hope is that France will not persist in her attitude. In relation to this American approach she stands alone. Britain. America, Italy—even her 'very

t loyal ally Belgium—are opposed to her • Isolation may bring home to M. Poincare the realities of the situation. Apparently the Washington door is still open. Th< British Government will not throw vi its hands in despair. It is in the posi tion of a bowler who, bowling to a bats man well set, springs an elaborate traj and then sees a fieldman drop a catch Such an experience is mortifying, but th. - resolute bowier does not lose heart; h* smiles and returns to the attack.