THE RUHR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 31 March 1923, Page 5

THE RUHR

HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATE FRENCH ACTION CRITICISED (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association). LONDON, March 28 ; In the House of Commons Sir Edward Grigg resumed tho debate on the Consolidation Bill. Ho raised the question of France, German, and Franco-British relations on the Ruhr occupation. Ho said: "Serious dislocation of our trade was being caused by tho French occupation. During the past few months wo had passed into a new., phase of the French, policy Neither reparations nor security now occupied the centre of the stage. Wo had always agreed with the French on tho question of reparations, but differed as to methods. If France's mind centred on reparations she would havo adopted a different attitude on tho banker conference proposals, and those offered by tho British Government." Sir Edward Grigg said tho present central motive was not the old form of security, but security under an entirely new definition, which took U.s into a dangerous volcanic region. France's new policy meant denationalisation of the German people and an inevitable explosion in tho years to come. It would cause future war am; our inevitable interference. in international affairs of European state never undertaken , He urged tho Government to consult the Dominions forthwith on the whole issue. • • ■■■•'•" •Mr S. Baldwin (Conservative) said that France at present appeared singularly : unwilling to accept any kind of intervention, which had resulted in pre. : senting a door banged, bolted and barred against ordinary methods of approach, which in ordinary times might lead to a settlement. He was in opposition to the suggested reference to the League of Nations. Altogether too many other methods had already been explored. The Government was firmly convinced that hitherto it had pursued tlu3 only course that Britain ought to take. Britain had preserved tho confidence, trust, and friendship of her Allies, and he believed that when the time came we would be accepted by Germany as honest negotiators. .He saw nothing at present which should induce us to step aside from tho path hitherto trodden. Sir L. Worthington Evans (Conservative) asked what steps were being taken to remove the suspicion which had given rise to the tension between France and Britain, and for which there was no ground. The French suspected that wo stood in tho way of her getting reparations, but on. the contrary we had supported her in every practical proposal. It was also a fallacy to think that we were depriving hereof the security whereto she was entitled. The position between France and Britain was so serious that every possible information ought to be given, and, he suggested, papers relating to last August's conference should be published.