BRITAIN'S STAND

Evening Star, Issue 18045, 12 August 1922, Page 4

BRITAIN'S STAND

FRENCH EXTREMISTS RESISTED. POSITION STILL UNCERTAIN. Press Association—By Telegraph— Copyright. LONDON, August 10. Strong efforts were made all day to arrive at an understanding with Franco. Mr Lloyd 1 George this morning had conversations with Signor Sclranzer and M. Theunis. Indeed, tho conferences were continued until Cabinet met, the Belgians being energetic intermediaries. After the Cabinet meeting Mr Lloyd) George motored to Buckingham Palace, where be had an audience with the King.

The British delegation, by order of the Cabinet, prepared a document explaining the British standpoint-, for circulation among the »otlier delegation®. This emphasises the point that Great Britain is not acting in defence of Germany, but in the common interests of the Allies. The British policy is to secure the utmost possible reparations. It is hoped that the document will bridge the gulf between Franco and the other Allies.

Tho ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ diplomatic correspondent says; “It was reported tonight that Britain’s sole counter-proposal will be to refer the whole question of a moratorium and guarantees back to- the Reparations Commission. If tho conference fail to reach an agreement by Saturday there will bo no other’alternative, as the Commission must inform Germany on Monday whether any respite will bo granted. Further attempts to reach a compromise will certainly be made before this extreme course is taken. France will be gravely mistaken if she imagines that owing to the political havoc which a rupture of the Entente would entail, particularly to our export trade with the Continent, Britain will -go to any lengths to avoid a rupture. There aro markets outside of Europe—for instance, in the colonies—which will compensate us for dubious European markets. .-Franco must also remember the political and moral consequences of taking independent action not on the strength of but in defiance of the Versailles Treaty. The British Prime Minister -appropriately asked his French colleague.’ ‘Would you break up the Entente for a few consignments of German paper marks?”’—A. and N.Z. Cable. BRITISH CABINET. PRIME MINISTER SUPPORTED. LONDON, August 10. Tire Cabinet meeting was attended by practically all the Ministers. It waa unanimously decided to endorse the policy of the British delegation and also to support it in regard to the report of tho Committee of Experts. Mr Lloyd George the Belgian and Italian Foreign Minister's prior to the Cabinet meeting.—Reuter. FRENCH CABINET. FREE HAND FOR POINCARE. PARIS, August 10. After resolutely upholding the principle of no moratorium without productive guarantees, Cabinet decided to give M. Poincare complete freedom of action as regards the specific points.—Reuter. EXPULSION OF GERMANS FROM ALSACE. -PARIS, August 10. The French action in -stopping the expulsion of Germans from Alsace is only temporary, and is due to preliminary advices that the notifications have not yet been completed. The expulsion will he resumed immediately the papers are ready. —‘Times.’