New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-25
British Budget
Aims to Wipe
Out War Debt
Industries Must Pay Large
Tax ON Profits and In.
comes Must Contribute
More to the Treasury
Traders Will Be Aided
Government to Give Mer-
chants Chance for Cain
Outside of the Kingdom
By Arthur S. Draper

copyright. 1920. New York Tribune Inc ,
LONDON, April 24-Every step that
British statesmen are taking is paving
the way for her traders. The war is a
thing Of the past for Great Britain
and the British policy is to let com.
merce take it's own way.
1t the British budget Is studied with
reference to the British political policy
the reason for the sharp Anglo French
differences is easy to find. Just prior
to the San Reno conference an effort
was made, notably by the Paris press.
to give the impression that the British
and French had reached an understand
ing and that no further clashes might
be expected.
But events of the last week have
demonstrated clearly that these differ
ences are on fundamental questions Of
policy, profoundly more important than
such details as the Ruhr occupation
or disarmament Of Germany. Those
who declare that the French policy is
dictated by fear of German military
power do little credit to French leaders.
What France fears Is that GERMANY
Will recuperate faster economically and
commercially and that British policy
will aid her reorganization.
French Policy Militaristic
A regrouping on an economical basis
Is taking place in Europe. Relatively
speaking, French policy is militaristic.
though the Socialists and labor leaders
Vehemently attack the government for
occupying tho Ruhr region France is
scilnglng to militarism because her lead
ers consider it her strongest asset.
Great Britain has put the war behind
OF the Excnequer. clearly showed in his
budget speech. Britain not only intends
20 pay as she goes but is beginning i'm
mediately to wipe out her war debt.
british Industries must pay large tax
on profits. British incomes must con-
tribute more to the treasury. British
Injuries will cost more.
NO other Euronean nation could
shoulder such a budget as Chamberlain
has produced. No other government
would dare to father such tax. But
gazing loaded the nation with taxation,
BRITISH policy doesn't end. The govern
ment is determined to give British
nanufacturers, exporters, importers.
bankers, shipowners and the general
public an opportunity for profit outside
the kingdom. '''N'
10 Extend Financial Assistance
The first step is the pacification of the
continent along economic lines and the
extension of financial assistance where
it is most needed A year or nine
months ago, British statesmen were
taxing IN different manner. Then
LLOYD George was justifying the Treaty
OF Versailles, including it's reparation
clauses, its territorial establishments and
ITS disarmament clauses.
0rltlSh statesmen are active in DUR
SUNG policy contrasting sharply with
their utterances of year ago. Bv de-
grces, British policy has changed. or at
least the public has learned slowly that
the scheme devised at Versailles is sub
)ect to great notifications. The French
are sticking at Versailles; the British
and Italians are drifting further and
further away.
1t is fruitless to speculate on the
position to-day had America ratified the
treaty and participated actively in Eu
ropean affairs. But no doubt exists that
treat Britain intends now to play
lone hand. Britain will have AZ sun
10Y ss1AN otCCSC dIlQ most small
nations. To all others she will reply:.
British Extending Control
We welcomed American cooperation
but it was withheld. We consider our
policy best for the whole of Europe.
even though some individuals don't get
all they want"
how long the old alliance will last
none can say, but at the moment the
ponds holding it together are strained
,neavily. The Treaty of Versailles is un-
likely to be rewritten, but many of its
clauses are certain to be amended. The
movement toward renewal of relations
between Great Britain and Italy on the
one hand and Russia on the other is
growing apace. and it need be no sur
Prise 70 near soon that the Soviet gov
eminent has been recognized.
=, me hrltish are developing control of
sne Far East in a marvellous manner.
but no. without arousing Dissatisfaction
among the French. War is thing Of
tne past for Great Britain, but that il
not Inc for