THUNDER-CLAP AT LUGANO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20131, 17 December 1928, Page 10

THUNDER-CLAP AT LUGANO.

It is possible to make too much of the stir created by Herr Strcsemann's remark at Lugano concerning the League's attitude to minorities. Ho has himself explained the remark in a way robbing it of the implication that Germany seriously thinks of leaving the League. "If the League does not defend minorities," is the effect of his statement so interpreted, "certain nations, including Germany, will consider whether it is to their interest to remain in the League." But the League has shown, without wavering, so great a oaro of the rights of minorities, that defection in this respect is unlikely to happen; and in any event Herr Stresemann's outburst was merely that of a nervewracked man about a particular incident of no widespread influence. M. Briand, whimsically referring to the "clap of thunder" at Lugano has given reassurance that the sun quickly reappeared and that everybody is now calmer. The communiquo issued at tho close of the conversations is encouraging, even if not so positive as tho most optimistic onlookers hoped. Progress has been made in the review of Germany's obligations under the peace treaty. At first it appeared improbable that tho parleys would expedite a settlement of the two vexed questions—tho modification of the terms governing Germany's payment of reparations under the Dawes scheme and the termination of tho Allied occupation of the Rhineland. Tho questions are inseparably related, for the occupation was undertaken as a means of compelling Germany to implement her promise to make financial reparation as well as her promise to disarm. An independent committeo of experts was lately empowered to consider tho reparations question, with a definite understanding that the various Governments concerned would accept its recommendations. This arrangement, it was hoped, would clear the way for complete evacuation of the Rhineland. However, at the opening of the Lugano conversations, Franco raised objection to this view, declining to give an assurance of tho withdrawal of her troops until she had considered the terms of tho financial experts' report. This attitude aroused German umbragfe, and a delicate situation was created. M. Briand, the French Foreign Minister, subsequently conceded tho point in dispute. As a friendly gesture to Germany, this announcement had great importance. It lessened tho tension that threatened to nullify the negotiations. In a very real sense, it embodied the spirit of Locarno As soon as the Locarno treaties were signed, evacuation of tho Rhineland was begun. Similar action in connection with this further reaching of agreement by the Governments should remove finally the greatest causo of friction between France and Germany. The outlook is promising. Herr Stresemann's thunder-clap has helped to "clear; the air*' 1