FRANCE TURNING EAST?

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21979, 25 March 1946, Page 4

FRANCE TURNING EAST?

“RUSSIA MORE HELPFUL” OTHER ALLIES DISAPPOINT LONDON,' March 22. Commenting on M. Bidault’s denial that he said France would be obliged to turn elsewhere for help (presumably to Russia) if M. Blum were unable to obtain credits in .the United States, the Paris correspondent of The Times says there is some shadow of truth in France’s reported attitude. The long-drawn-out disappointment at the French Government's failure to obtain London’s and Washington’s acceptance of a radical settlement in western Germany is very real in France. Moreover, the French have come to believe that they are being unfairly treated over the distribution of Ruhr coal.

France lays her grievances at the door of her Allies. By comparison, the Russian amputation of • eastern Germany. the fact that Russia has not appeared to be involved in the question of coal deliveries and the recent Russian delivery of 500,000 tons of grain to France seemed constructive and helpful.

It would be natural, adds the correspondent. that a further rebuff in the west should at least set minds turning on .the prospects of openings in the east.