HOW THE NATIONS STAND

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 27, 1 August 1923, Page 5

HOW THE NATIONS STAND

FRANCE REJECTS BRITISH

PROPOSALS

BELGIUM ATTEMPTS TO BE

USEFUL.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPSRISHT.I

(AUSTRAUAN - NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.) LONDON, 31st July. The French and Belgian Ambassadors have delivered their replies to Lord Cnrzon, who afterwards received the German and Italian Ambassadors. Cabinet will meet to-day, when it will be confronted by the question whether the replies justify a continuance of negotiations with a view to sending a joint Note to Germany, or whether Britain shall send her own Note. Official circles are pessimistic.

The "Daily Telegraph's" diplomatic correspondent, says the French reply is an elaborate document and might be said to c&nstitute a sweeping rejection of almost every British proposal, while it reaffirms the refusal to enter into any discussion with Berlin until Germany for mally renounces resistance. The reply declares that France will not completely evacuate the Ruhr until she has been paid. M. Poiucare demurs at the British proposal of an impartial Commission of experts and asks Mr. Baldwin to state Britain's intended demands upon Germany and the Allies. Thi s questionnaire is the only constructive part of the French Note; the rest is purely a critical negative. The Belgian Note is short and harmonises with M. Poincare's, but it does express anxiety regarding a solution, and endeavours to contribute something material and positive. It suggests that the British proposals, as ultimately amended, in accordance with suggestions of the other Allies, may form a material first step towards a. new inter-Allied agreement.

The Italian reply has also been received. The "AVestminster Gazette" says Italy suggests that Germany should be admitted to the League of Nations. There is no doubt the British Government Would support Germany's acceptance of the invitation.