Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-11-29
ENGLAND CONCERNED
OVER FRENCH POLICY
Ueased Wire Service to The Journal.)
Copyright 1921
BY GEO. n. BARNES
british Parliament LEADER

british Parliament LEADER
british public opinion is upholding the
insistence Of the United States upon its
program of naval disarmament, but is per-
turbed over the postwar attitude of France.
Lines of friction between France and Eng
land constantly are being extended. Mean
time the Irish situation is being viewed
with growing apprehenslon.)
LONDON, Nov. 26.-The people of
Great Britain are glad to note the
American insistence on the main fea-
lures of the naval reduction program
submitted by Mr.. Hughes at the
first session of the Washington con-
ference. My predictions as to that
program have been amply verified,
for the proposals have been indors-
ed not only by the government, but
by many representative bodies, and
orders issued by the admiralty for
the stoppage of work on capital
ships assured hearty cooperation
where least expected.
Now we are concerned about
France. TO our Gaelic neighbors
Germany and Russia are real men
aces. Premier Brands speech at
Washington has been noted here
with regret, but not with surprise
And am constrained to say that an
Interpretation of Mr.. Balfour's re-
marks as unqualified support of the
French position would not in my
view reflect the growing volume of
British opinion.
In quarters which are increasing
ly important, there is a feeling OF
impatience with the French post
war policy generally. Meantime the
fact is to be noted that M. Briand's
attitude seems to rule out any dras'
tic revision of land ornaments by
agreement unless some new assur
ances can be given to relieve France
of the fear of being left in the lurch
of again attacked.
The British would welcome the
giving of such reinsurance.
Irish Situation.
But on the whole the British feel
ing is one of confidence in the
Washington conference and admira-
ton for the openness and friendll-
ness of the United States toward all
the nations.
Very bad feelings have been en-
gendered here by the Franco-Tu rk-
ish Angora agreement, which, II
ratified, turns over to the mercy OF
the Turk a Christian population
which had been assured protection
by the allies. 1t is the latest Of the
departures from inter-allied co-opera-
ton since the war. Protests have
been made by the British cabinet
and the whole matter must be re-
viewed in the light of allied pledges
and the provisions of the treaty OF
Sevres.
Respecting Ireland we are still
in period of doubt, not unmixed
with apprehension. One question
has been settled, namely the attl-
tude of the Conservative and Union
list party in the country. Accumu
lating evidence shows that the
Unionists and Conservatives definite
ly have arrayed themselves on the
side of Prime Minister Lloyd
George in exploring all possible
means of reaching an Irish peace
The government has given some
reassuranceS as to the Irish sltua
ton by allowing publication of the
bases of their proposals. These in
clude first the supremacy of the
crown; second, the inclusion of Irish
waters in the United Kingdom fol
purposes of naval protection; third
liability of Ireland for share of the
war debt and war pensions; fourth
freedom of Ulster to reject for the
north of Ireland.
Ulster Plan Rejected.
There is reason to believe thai
Sim Fem tentatively has accepted
the first three proposals. But the
| Ulster provision has been rejected
Lloyd George, however, is confer
ring with both sections and a meet
| ing Of the Ulster parliament is con
vened for Tuesday next when de
| velopments may be expected. Ulster
| of course, may plead that she is be
ing made subject to political pres
sure tantamount to coercion. If so
she has an easy way Of escape
| Hitherto she has allowed herself tt
drift into a position of moral iso1a
| ton by rejecting each plan of set
Element without helping to product
another. She may, while insisting
up the retention of the powers con
ferred upon her last year, agree t.
the principle of an all-Ireland au
thority to administer some Of tn
powers which were then reserved.
That, believe, is the best wa.
she can 1iberate herself from tn
thrall of the evil past and get align
ed with the enlightened and expand
ing present. But there is also
half way compromise of applying
the new proposals for the time be
ing only to the south of Ireland. T.
this, however, Sim Fein is oppos
ed.
That is how matters stand at tn
moment. Meantime Belfast is liy
ing in a reign of terror describe
on one side as "Sinn Fein outrages
and on the other as "the work o
Orange gunner" express no opir
ion. But police services have bee,
transferred wholly to the Ulster pal
lament and public opinion here wi
expect the new authority to dea
faithfully with both sides and ir
spire in them a wholesome regar
for the amenities of civilized life.
NEW LAMP BURNS