Nelson Evening Mail WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1923 ANGLO-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 21 November 1923, Page 4

Nelson Evening Mail WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1923 ANGLO-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP

WHEN British statesmen recently endeavoured to form a plan whereby America might act with the Allies in solving Germany's reparation problem, they were “building better than they knew.

It is true that the plan was upset by M. Poincare’s obstinate refusal to allow any substantial amendment of the arrangement agreed to by Germany and accepted by the Allies, and that thereby be lias brought the British plan of amelioration to nought; but he lias thrown the British and Americans together in a manner which has caused them to see of how small importance the European situation is in comparison with their own unity of purpose in world-politics. The President and people of the United States of America endorsed the. Britmli Government’s proposals fox' bringing Germany’s indebtedness within the scope of her power to make payment, and doubtless it was in the minds of American statesmen and financiers to devise means whereby a Germany, repentant and desirous of fulfilling her obligations, might make reparation. American statesmen and financiers have it. in

their power Id assist, Germany' in llns direct ion indicated. But ,7 directly the plan was suggested, (he implacable elements in France and t,ly reactionary elements in Germany determined to wreck it. M.. Poincare, while he did not refuse to co-operate with Britain and America .insisted on such conditions as made co-operation futile, if not. impossible. The German monarchists put, in motion their attempt to create a revolution under Ludendorff and Hitler, and to overthrow the government of Stresomatm, who was anxious to fall in with the British and American plan for the restoration of his country’s credit and good name. Ludendorff and Hiller were ludicrously unsuccessful. The ex-Crown Prince’s sudden appearance in Germany, to receive the lost crown of his father, was comically premature. But M. Poincare's blow got home. The Anglo-Ame-rican plan for adjusting the European situation was frustrated.

Strangely enough, it is Franco who is most seriously affected. Her malevolence has estranged her friends, and created for her a state of isolation which is new and unpleasant to her. First Belgium, and now Italy, declares sympathy with (lie Anglo-Amcrica policy; Signor Mussolini plainly deciding against the breaking up of Germany, which is, or was, (he aim which AT. Poincare had in view. Tiio. verdict of Britain and her friends is that Germany shall he mistress of her own fale; that, if she wishes to reform and act with probity towards her erstwhile foes, she shall he given the chance In do so; that her slate of internal turmoil and trouble/shall not he made the opportunity of breaking her to pieces. li is impossible to foresee what Germany's end will lie. 11 is equally impossible to see what the end ot Frances Continental aims will he. Blit whatever may. or may not, happen in Europe, British and American friendship is very materially increased through this recent conjoint, brief and —as it happened unsuccessful excursion into European polities. It may he quite a long time Lefbre

they attempt again to ameliorate the troubles of Europe. , The whole world outside Europe anxiously awaits their attention, and they may well find more congenial and profitable fields of action than in "the jungle of intrigue,’" as continental Europe has been described, and not inaptly. America is interested in Europe merely as a creditor is interested m a debtor. The Premiers of the British Commonwealth point to the Dominions and Crown Colonies and India, as the proper and most profitable field for British interest and enterprise. The British Government’s appeal for leave to erect a barrier against the dumping of cheap European manufactures indicates the fact that at least one great Party in the state has learnt the lesson of the Imperial and Economic Conference. The horror which the American people have long had of dabbling in European politics, is spreading to Britain. The En-glish-speaking nations seem to be agreed that Europe shall solve her own knotty problems without their assistance. They seem to be determined to allow France to dominate the German situation, and to make or max’ her own future by pursuing in Central Europe what policy she pleases. Whatever interpretation the European nations may put- upon Anglo-American action is of no great importance. But to the Dominions every “incident” which diverts Britain’s attention away from Europe is of importance, since it tends to turn that attention to their requirements and the undeveloped wealth which they contain. Every such “incident” which affronts British and American feelings, tends to throw together the two great branches of the English-speaking race, and to cement that good feeling between them which has been growing greater and greater since 1914.