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Evening Star, Issue 17324, 12 April 1920, Page 4

Ir is regrettable that temper has thrust a strain upon the Th 3 Entente Cordiale. friendly relations between Britain and France. Not that the vital strength of the Entente Cordiale is seriously assailed, but simply because of the plain fact that every Tittle tiff among the Allies encourages Germany to pursue her deliberate policy of evading the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. It cannot be disputed that in crossing the 'Rhine without the full sanction and support of the Allies, in order to make a salutary display of military strength in the disturbed areas of Germany, France has erred diplomatically, but the error can be described as a blunder of devotion to the allied cause. It is actually nothing more than that, for France throughout the protracted period of peace-making has stood faithfully and firmly for all,that the. Allies fought for and won,* though the reaping of the harvest of victoiy. has not, to say the least/ been very thorough. The. British Note to France in respect to the French advance into German territory beyond what may be termed the Peace Treaty zone is exceptionally blunt for a diplomatic document between "staunch friends, but the display of political temper does not seriously bruise the friendship. " Faith in the Entente and friendliness for the French people are in no way diminished." Too much stress need not be laid .upon the bitter comment of the Paris Pre;s. That is their way. They are quick in anger, but to-morrow they will be generous in graco and goodwill. It is to be noted that "Pertinar,'' of 'L'Echo de Paris,' whose pen-name is accepted on both sides of the Channel as a synonym for shrewdness, and whose journalistic service- throughout a critical period has been keenly appreciated in diplomatic circles, denounces Mr Lloyd George as a politician lacking ip judgment. This may seem very harsh criticism to fond admirers who can see no blemish in their idol, but to some extent it has been merited. The inner history of the Peace Conference will yet disclose the trying handicaps that have been experiencd by France, which twice within the memory of living men has been plunged into the devastation of war. Sitter knowledge of such handicaps and the " grande passion " every responsible Frenchman has for his country have been factors in the action taken by France in, respect to saving the treaty.' The British Note asserts that Britain is equally concerned in securing the execution of the Peace Treaty, but the French reply pertinently asks when Britain

" thinks it ought to In granting concessions." Germany's deliberate and hitherto too successful policy, of evasion arid violation of the .Treaty and the Paris Protocol has been such as to compel some authority to say "Enpugh." .France has said it, and need not be -condemned too harshly for having said it so effectively, if not altogether in tho best possible manner. Events have proved that Marshal Foch, whoso advice was ignored regarding the Armistice,' has a better knowledge of the German -"mind than that possessed by politicians; and the fact that Foch deemed it necessary to move across the Rhine is proof of the need there was for a military* display in German territory. It would have been better, of course, if all the Allies had moved together; but tho tendency on tho part of prominent Allied Powers to talk ins to ad of to act has been so strong of late that few people will be inclined to be angry with Franco for advancing into the heart of German disorder, which jeopardises the Peace Treaty in many ways; Security is essential, and France cannot be condemned # for seeking it. Fortunately her drastic action will not impair tho spiritand strength of the Entente Cordiale.