The Star. FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 1923. BRITAIN AND THE RUHR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16986, 9 March 1923, Page 6

The Star. FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 1923. BRITAIN AND THE RUHR.

The discussion in the House of Commons regarding the situation in the Ruhr revealed that no party had an effective policy to offer. The Leader of the Labour Party (Mr Ramsay Mac- : dona Id) proposed to form committees to consider the subject. He admitted, j however, that until there was a change jin public opinion in all countries Governmental interference would be of little value. He complained that relations between France and Britain were drifting, and that France was rewriting the Versailles Treaty in her own interests without consulting her allies. Mr Macdonald, however, had no proposal to submit which gave any assurance of bringing satisfactory results. The British Government, which cordially disapproves of the Ruhr occupation. cannot oppose France either actively or passively. Remonstrances have been made, and oounterpTojposals hove been submitted, but France declined to be swayed by the objections, and rejected the British plan. ! The question of intervention has been j raised, but what form is the intervention to t-ake ? Is Britain to go to j war with France, in order to free the ! Germans from the Ruhr occupation ? ; The idea i.<j a preposterous one. If I Britain cannot induce France to with- } draw T by convincing the French Governj nient that the occupation is a mistake J there is practically nothing to be done, j The suggestion that the question should b.* dealt with by the League of Nations is a sensible one. as the League exists |

in order to deal with international disputes. But would France. in her present temper, agree to such a proposal ? Her armies are in possession of German towns, and it is France’s intention that they will remain there until her claims are met. The. League would not be prepared to enforce its decisions upon France by going to war. The difficulty may be reduced to a fundamental difference of opinion between Britain and France as to the rig]it way of dealing with Germany. Britain believes in a moratorium and reduced payments, while France wants immediate and money-producing pledges. It remains to bp seen whether the French can establish full economic control, or obtain the reparations of which they are in search. The sign® are not auspicious. Mr Bonar Law says that the French have not gained anything, but are faced with heavy losses. It is apparent that the resistance of the German population has not yet been broken down, though there are some slight signs that it isi weakening. The position which faces the British Government is that France has committed herself to a certain definite course of action, involving bold and desperate measures, and that she. cannot now withdraw. The onlyhope of an early settlement will be the recognition oi‘ the success or failure of the French occupation.