BRITAIN’S VIEW

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18068, 16 March 1923, Page 7

BRITAIN’S VIEW

SCOTTISH OONTRACTS. TREATY OF VERSAILLES. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSN.—COPYRIGHT London, March 14. Sir Robert Horne, addressing his constituents, said Franco’s action in the Ruhr specially concerned the-Clyde as it 'had completely checked the carrying out of Scottish contracts for the supply of raw materials to the Ruhr. He was not in favour of Germany, and had every prejudice in favour of France. He only desired to see the colour of Germany’s money. Apparently the hulk of the French people were undecided whether they wanted Germany strong enough to pay them or too weak to fight them. He agreed that the Gormans exported capital, though he believed the amount was exaggerated. The only way to keep capital in Germany was to make Germany fit for capital to live in it. If the Allies wanted to be paid they must ultimately give Germany hope of making a new start. “The Times” in a leader, emphasising the seriousness of the situation in the Ruhr, draws attention to the

British interests directly affected. The British forces in Cologne are in an equivocal situation. British trade on the Rhine is almost paralysed, and the moment is rapidly approaching when Britain will he called upon to play a part or claim a share in the solution of the problems in the Ruhr. It is not a question of intervention in the Franco-German struggle, which would he futile, but the paper urges the Government to abandon hesitant passivity, and lay down tho main lines of policy Britain must follow in fhe new phase of the history of Europe—the maintenance and assurance of peace in which the British Empire lias great fundamental interests. The leader asks how can Britain rest content. The troops on guard ill Cologne are the relics of the Treaty of Versailles, while the face of Europe is being transformed.—“ The Times.”