The Isolation Game

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 85, 15 August 1923, Page 5

The Isolation Game

SUSPICION OF FRENCH POLICY. Press Association—Copyright. Australian . and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 9.15 a.m.) London, August 14. The Central News issues the following as authoritative and the official British view: There is no tenderness throughout the British Empiro fop Germany, as the German Empire is* dead and forgotten, but the Government believe that if Franco is out to maintain an indefinite stranglehold on Germany and a complete overthrow of the economic system of Europe, if npt of the whole world, it is certain there is more than a suspicion that the French policy at present aims at the isolation of Britain in Europe, but the Government is seeking, not the isolation of France, but her co~operat ; on.

If that fails, obviously Britain will j try he r hand at the isolation game. England may then try to win over J Italy, to detach Belgium from sup- 1 porting France in. the Ruhr, and to.; bring into line with her Holland,' Switzerland, Sweden, and Norway, . who are suffering equally with Brit-1 ain from the . effects of the French 1 pplicv. . , -,:. •,.■■. • : ; ;x'S Apart from aims in jJurope, the j dominating note of the British Covernmeu*'s policy is ultimate co-operation between Britain and America for a world settlement. No immediate sensational response j from the United States need be expected, but Mr Baldwin believes I Europe cannot be saved unless the American people join the British. In saying it, unfortunately, there is nothing to indicate we are likely to receive anything but. practically a complete reiection of our suggestions- from Paris. This is far from being the case elsewhere. To Italy there is concession to Mussolini's oft-stated belief that debts and ropirations ro hnnd in hand. To Senna and Rumania there is a guartee that Britain will approve no modification of the Spa Conference percentages. To America there is the acceptance of Mr Hughes' impartial enquiry. To other countries there ig an economic appeal of a restored' Germany and a peaceful EuTope.; v

That is the British- appeal. If it falls on deaf ears in PariSj it will be for Britain to act. The general anticipation in diplomatic circles is that the action will consist of sending a reply to Germany, possibly with Italian and other approval, and a tribunal will be called on to decide Germany's capacity. An international tribunal might be asked to say whether the occupation of the Ruhr could continue legally. Lastly, thore is the League of Nations. It should be recalled that £h«* Socialists who brought about th« fall of Dr. Cuno demand Germany'a entry into tho League. BRITISH FINANCIAL CIRCLES. A FAVORABLE IMPRESSION. (Received 8.55 a.m.) Londoji, August 14. The Financial limes sajs:— The Note has created a most favourable impression in banking and commercial circles. The French people are still ignorant of tho facts, but if world opinion succeeds in convincing them that the Ruhr adventure is doomed to failure, that the French Government will never bo able to honour its promis- s, and that investors must face a hesvy loss, then the French Ministry will crash. The situation will bo revealed in a ! new light. ajid if a chance of Allied : understanding is not thereby assurj ed, it will be immeasurably greater.