The New York herald., 1922-03-16

tions. a signal for a distinct Franco
phile advance in British policy. though
not TO the point of supporting the
French economic thesis for the recon-
struction OF Europe.
Lord Derby has long cherished the
ambition OF winning the classic race
named after his ancestor, and OF NOV
ing into No. 10 Downing street as Pre-
mier. in imitation OF Lord Rosebery.
He has just missed the Derby several
times, horses he had bred winning un-
der other colors.
Lord Derby is one OF the leaders
whose allegiance to the coalition has
been somewhat doubtful a position
which was not changed when his talk
with Lord Northcliffe in Paris yester-
day became known. With the Indian
policy again working and with Lord
Derby a probable recruit for the pro-
posed Center party Premier Lloyd
Georges position is immensely strength
ened on that basis. 1t was his inten-
ton not to resign, thereby bringing on a
general election, until after the Genoa
conference.
But that was when the Genoa con-
ference promised TO bear fruit. Now
not only has the United States ef-
fectually blighted a large part of the
crop of benefits hoped for, but some of
Mr. Lloyd Georges closest advisers are
warning him that there is a large sec
tion of French political opinion which Is
hostile to his leadership of Great Britain
and would be glad to see 1t terminated
at the cost of failure of the Genoa
conference, which the same French
opinion believes would be a negligible
result anyway.
Some advisers are warning Mr.. Lloyd
EA ctYatN
a lineup at Genoa without undivided
support at home. and the failure to
get vote Of confidence from the meet
ing Of Unonist members in the House
OF Commons last night gave anything
but evidence OF indubitable support.
The Government apoiogists arc maxi
ing rather frantic efforts to explain that
failure as not rejecting the real senti-
ment. asserting that two-thirds OF those
present wanted to vote in support or
the coalition. but did not press the
matter In order to avoid splitting the
party in the face Of the "die-hard" op-
position Of the other third.
German Payments Involved.
The uncertain situation in the Gov
ernment itself Is revealed in the atti-
tude toward the two proposals effecting
America or the Finance Ministers
that Germany's reparations should be
in proportion 10 the pressing nature of
the interallied debts and Americas
request for payment or the cost of the
army OF occupation. Those closest to
Lloyd George are inclined to take the
American view OF both questions, but
it IS admitted that British officials had
a part in the preparation and presenta-
tion Of the reparations debt plan at
Paris
There is every disposition in all quar-
ters to admit the justice of Americas
claim Of payment for the Rhine army.
but no such unanimity regarding the
reparatons debt combination. Mr..
that the keystone of British policy was
friendship with America is cited to show
that no such uncertainty could exist
were his hand at the helm now.
The House Of Commons tonight re-
hashed the acrimonious equabble result
ing in the Montagu-Curzon imbroglio
which Is also largely due to Mr.. Lloyd
Georges absence from full command
The actual fact is that the Indian Ad-
miniscration cannot be easily settled and
Mr.. Lloyd George Is understood now to
believe that the Government in the light
of recent events, needs fresh mandate
from the people before going on with the
effort.
The belief persists In the best in
formed circles that if the Premiers res
Ination does come II VIII only be the
prelude to sounding the call for new
party 10 which the present Cabinet
members will respond and rally an or
ganization around such coalition
achievements as the irish treaty and
the saving in the budget Of $l,333,00o
600 BY means OF the Washington con-
ference. and then ask for a commission
to carry on this policy for the recon-
striiction Of Europe and consequently
or British prosperity.