The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING, Luceo Non Uro, TUESDAY, MAY 16, 1922. FRANCE OR BRITAIN?

Southland Times, Issue 19516, 16 May 1922, Page 4

The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING, Luceo Non Uro, TUESDAY, MAY 16, 1922. FRANCE OR BRITAIN?

In spite of the preliminary objections raised by France, the Genoa Conference has decided to tackle the Ruf. an problem in workmanlike manner. The French, o,f course, are still nervous aboui the extent to which a mixed commission will commit them to recognition of the Bolshevik regime in Russia, especially as the monarchist element is still waiting its chance to return to the arena. Mr Lloyd George’s aim, as we said before, has been to put the relationship between Russia and the Powers on a practical basis in spite of the conditions to which the French secured adherence at Cannes, and this is what he has achieved in the face of the difficulties raised by the diplomatic achievements of the Bolshevik representatives. Doubtless the Morning Post will remind the Primp Minister passionately that he is again shaking hands with murderers, and the Daily News, with a fine Liberal accent, will twit Mr Lloyd George with having abandoned the pledges of the 1918 election. Actually the British Prime Minister has jettisoned all the “hate” pledges with which he wooed and won the electorates in the 1918 contest, actually he has demonstrated beyond all hope of contradiction that he is an opportunist, but he can at least say that he has played the biggest part in leading Europe from the frenzy of war back to a sober understanding of the problems which confront her. The promises of 1918 sounded sweet in the ears of a nation still gripped by the passions of war, but the hard facts of the years separating that year from the present have shown that the redemption of those promises was impracticable I if Britain and France were not to suffer. Germany now is having her case examined in the light of stern realities; Turkey’s future is not fyeing fixed with a complete disregard of the possible results in India; and Russia is to be dealt with in the light of the de facto position and not from, the viewpoint of social prejudice' l and political hope. The Genoa Conference has not been a failure, although the French attitude nearly wrecked it beyond repair,

and all things considered, Mr Lloyd George niay feel a great deal of satisfaction at the outcome of the meeting, especially as it leaves with him a decided victory over M. Poincare. Although careless observers may not be conscious of the fact, there is no doubt that at the present moment Britain and France are rivals for the leadership of Europe. Newspaper men may be indiscreet and reveal rising temperatures in a manner which gives one of the protagonists a chance to appear to deny the existence of heat, but few people will be deceived into the belief that at one stage at least the contest between M. Poincare, who kept far from the arena, and Mr Lloyd George generated warm exchanges and some plain talk. The scrupulous regard for the significance of his acts by the King suggests that he was aware of the true inwardness of the situation. Genoa was only one of the battlegrounds on which the diplomats have fought, but so far Mr Lloyd George has shown the clearer vision. His ear is nearer the ground, and Europe to-day is looking to Britain with more confidence than at any stage since the war. The French have not yet eliminated passion from their political atmosphere and the British Premier is gaining ground steadily because he is showing that he is prepared to explore any avenue in the hope that it will lead to real peace for the whole of Europe. He has before him the fear that Russia, now weak and famine-ridden, may develop into a real menace for Europe and the world if she is not treated patiently and with commonsense. M. Poincare is fearful of shadows; Mr Lloyd George is prepared to risk them if there is a ttope of peace beyond.