Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-01-14
R Evening. JANUARY IA. 1893.
EVENTS OF A WEEK.

EVENTS OF A WEEK
The sudden and unexpected resignation Of his
office by Premier BRAND, Of France, upon his re-
turn from the conference at Cannes has thrown
many features of the international situation into
confusion. The reasons for Brands decision are
not entirely clear, as domestic issues and local po-I
litical rivalries tend to shroud the facts in obscure
~. There appears, however, to have been a strong
feeling Of disapproval of the prenier's course in as
senting to the Franco-Britsh treaty by which
France is guaranteed the aid Of Great Britain in
case of attack by Germany.
The French objections arc not directed to this
part Of the agreement, but, as expressed in the press
and in tatements by several public men, they are
based on what is believed to be the policy Of Lloyd
George to secure favors for Germany at the expense
Of France. Reduction Of the French armies, re-
tirement from portions Of the Rhincland, and con-
cessions in the matter Of rcparations arc understood
to be among the terms cxactcd by Lloyd George in
exchange for the guarantee Of protection, and the
demand for these things is defended on the ground
that with the integrity Of Trance thus secured, there
will be no necd for the continuance of a great mill
tafy establishment or the continued occupation of
German territory, and the reparations concessions
are urged on the familiar ground that it is folly to
pay, and that German rehabilitation is essential to
the general restoration Of prosperity.
The resignation Of the French premier was ac-
ceptcd promptly by President Millerand. who had
ciashed with BRAND over several matters of policy.
and former President Poincare was requested to ae-
ccpt the vacated position and organize a new min
istry. Poincare has accepted, and has since been
busy making cabinet selections. Upon the attitude
of the new administration will depend not only the
shaping. of many European policies in the near fu-
ture, but the completion Of the work Of the arms
\ conference at Washington, in which such ~satisfac-
tory progress has been made.
HFAHJg ~ e a. ..
meeting Of the Allied council at Cannes was that All
international economic conference should be held
At Genoa in the very near future. The purpose Of
This gathering is to take up the whole international
ffndustrial. and financial situation, and to devise
M1eans, if possible, to establish trade relations on a
BASIS Of exchange which will afford security, and
which will prevent the further depreciation Of cur
Hcncy values. Germany, as we'll as the Allied ma
s34ions will be represented, and even Russia is includ-
I'D IN the list.
IS There is an understanding that Lenine has
agreed as the price of recognition Of his admiuistra-
zion as the de facto government Of Russia, to give
satisfactory assurance that outstanding obligations
Ut the late czarist government wifi be met, and that
IN general he will observe the practices Of civilized
governments. Lloyd George has for a hong time
leaned strongly toward some such arrangements
3rith the Bolshevik leader, and Great Britain has
already entered into a trade agreement with Mos
Cow. It is difficult to understand on what theory
there can be justified any compact with am organi-
cation which has categorically and consistently
shown contempt for all agreements witt, persons
e nations under "captta1istic" control.
vi The discussions in connection with the Wash
3ngto1 conference have touched on numerous de-
pals, and, unless there comes a note of dissent from
Che new French government, most of the work may
1e considered practically complete. Following its
EXCAVATIONS on the use Of submarines, IN which the
rights Of neutrals under international law were re-
Stated and emphasized, a similar statement was
1*Rade as to the use of poison gas in war, and the
Eaonferring nations have declared their understand
ing that the laws Of nations prohibit the use of this
AEency. Progress IN the settlement of questions
HSinvolving China and Japan has been slow, and It
fFeems probable that several of these questions must
remain, 70 be dealt with by later negotiation.
Progress has been made in the shaping Of Irish
a5fnt1ifs. Dc Valera, having resigned as president
q the Dali, was not reelected, and Arthur Griffith
HSnne OF the members of the London conference. and
Y leadlng advocate of the treaty establishing the
& sksee Stxte, was elected in his stead. The pariia-
I&aent q southern Ireland, called to meet for the
Hnn1pose Of ratiying the treaty IN a formal names,
IS g hsye met on Saturday. and may have com
4eeted - work before these lines appear in print.
This being done the functions Of government will
e pesfoenaed ~ z provisional government which
but fea1y be the Dali under another Official name
a6ptt5I e~5sctions can be held for the purpose Of choos.
In smeHlbers to the new parliament.
N4g@S0e Valera has declared that he will continue to
S4kf M N 4independent ireland" and that the Re.
\ tGe9ee canaot be abolished until the people them
ees perform that act. Griffith is proceeding ii
y31gCnrous manner 70 deal with actual conditions,
41l1e ID Valera continues TO insist on theories. Ii
AppaSsat that obstruction from the ireconcilia-
11o vii fender the process of transition difficult
IL IN ~ situahcn now differs greatly from Tint
4ea9E&E existed when the contest was between the
81 4sE epyefnraent and = well organized and com
1krssos.tionafy body The contest now is be
II 9Szsass yslf factions Of Inshmen, and the Griffith