The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-11-27
PUBLIC
PERTURBED OVER
FRENCH ATTITUDE
Lines of Friction Between
France and England Ex-
tended and Irish Sit
uation is Causing
Apprehension
BY GEORGE n. BARNES
British Parliamentary Leader
special Wireless Dispatch to The


special Wireless Dispatch to The Age
Copyright, 1921, by The AKe-Herald.i
London, November 26.-The peo-
pie of Great Britain are glad to note
the American insistence on the main
features of the naval reduction pro-
gram submitted by Mr.. Hughes at
the first session of the Washington
conference. My predictions as to
that program have been amply veri-
fled, for the proposals have been in
dorsed not only by the government,
but by many representative bodies.
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 Ger
many and Russia are real menaces.
Premier Brands speech at Washing
ton has been noted here with regret,
but not with surprise. And / am con-
strained to say that an interpreta-
ton of Mr. Balfour's remarks as un-
qualified support of the French posi-
ton would not in my view reflect the
growing volume of British opinion.
Growing Impatient
In quarters which are increasingly
important, there is a feeling of inn
patience with the French postwar
policy generally. Meantime the fact
Is to be noted that M Brands atti-
tude seems to rule out any drastic
I revision of land ornaments by agree
p1pnf 70 ac
can be given to relieve France of the
fear of being left in the lurch If again
attacked. The British would welcome
the giving of Such reinsurance.
Again the British feeling is of con-
fidence in the Washington conference
and admiration for the openness and
friendliness of the United States to-
ward all of the nations.
Very bad feelings have been engen-
dered here by the Franco Turkish
Angora agreement. which If ratified
turns over to the mercy of the Turk
Christian population which had been
assured protection by the allies. 1t
Is the latest of the departures from
inter-allied cooperation since the
war. Protests have been made by
the British cabinet and the whole
matter must be reviewed in the light
"a dhicd PlcdBtS ana Tic PROVISIONS
of the treaty of Sevres.
Apprehension Grows
Respecting Ireland, we are still in
period of doubt, not unmixed with
apprehension. One question has been
settled, namely, the attitude of the
conservative and unionist party in the
country. Accommodating evidence
shows that the Unionists and conserv-
n FAe 4 Lei .<tf A1. 4.
selves on the side of Prime Minister
Lloyd George In exploring all posi-.
Bile means of reaching an Irish peace
The government has given some re-
assurances as to the Irish situation
by allowing publication of the bases
of their proposals. These include
first. the supremacy of the crown;
second, the inclusion of Irish waters
in the United Kingdom for 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 Ire
land.
There Is reason to believe that Sim
Fem tentatively has accepted the first
three proposals. But the Ulster pro-
vision has been rejected Lloyd
George, however, is comforting with
both sections and meeting of the
Ulster Parliament is convened for
next Tuesday. when developments
may be expected. Ulster, of course
may plead that she is being made
subject to political pressure tanta-
mount to coercion. II so, she has an
easy way of escape. Hitherto she has
allowed herself to drift into a posi-
ton of moral isolation by rejecting
each plan OF settlement without help.
ing to produce another She may.
while insisting on the retention of the
powers conferred upon her last year
agree to the principle of an all-Ire-
land authority to administer some Of
the powers which were then reserved
Best Why Out
That,sI believe. is the best way she
can liberate herself from the thrall
Of the evil past and get aligned with
the enlightened and expanding pres
ent. But there Is also a halfway
compromise of applying the new pro-
posals for the time being only to the
South of ireland. To this. however,
Sim Fein Is opposed. That Is how
matters stand at the moment. Mean
time. Belfast is living in a reign of
terror described on one side as "Sinn
Fein outrages'' and on the other as
the work of Orange gunner" I ex-
press no opinion. But police services
have been transferred wholly to the
Ulster Parliament and public opinion
here will expect the new authority to
deal faithfully with both sides and
inspire In them wholesome regard
for the amenities of civilized life.
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