NEW EUROPE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17155, 4 October 1926, Page 9

NEW EUROPE

OLD ENEMIES BURY HATCHET. MUTUAL ADVANTAGES. LONDON. Sept, 22. Most intense interest is being takeli in the mutual hatchet-burying overtures by France and Germany, because they involve colossal changes in world politics, leading to a new Europe and a new grouping of the Powers. The diplomacy of the past, having failed to secure a remedy for France's multiple maladies, it is now felt that M. Briand is investigating the possibilities of a "rapprochement, whereby the traditional enemies would work to theii ; mutual advantages. Whether these traditional antipathies will allow a cordial working agreement is much doubted, particularly in view of the vast differences of national characteristics, but one l must not overlook the tremendous mutual advantages. ! Germany resents bitterly the indignity of tho occupation of her beloved Rhineland, the military control by inter-allied commissions, and she also desires colo- ■ nial mandates. FRANCE'S HOPES. France, on the other hand, would benefit enormously economically. She also would probably come to an arrangement with Germany, in connection with the reparations, providing for the payment of a lump sum for the capitalising on a satisfactory basis, of the annuities represented by the Dawes plan. It is admitted that enormous obstacles are blocking the realisation of the idea! of M. Briand and Dr. Stresemann, but the situation is viewed with a certain amount of concern in London, because Germany, despite the present treaty shackles, is steadily recovering her prewar trade in South America, the East Indies, and the Far East, and, if she were freed from those shackles, she. would become the most formidable competitor of Britain and America for the \paramount position in the world's commerce, while Britain would become isolated in Europe. BRIAND'S LONE HAND? » Remarkable reserve continues regarding the Briand-Strcficmann Thoiry conversation, says the Paris correspondent of the Times, who asserts that lie has authority for saying that M. Briand acted on his own initiative. His Opponents have seized on this fact, and a stormy Cabinet meeting is forecast for Tuesday. The Prime Minister (M. Poincare) himself is said to have manifested the very greatest reserve. One newspaper declares that M. Painleve (Minister for War) alone is backing M. Briand.