The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-01-15

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 -uI Luo 70 uopsJsol moral forces by a weak policyswhich propagated defeatism of the peace.
 Why did Briand resign? When twice within 24 hours the members of a government meet in the ab- sence of their chief and twice com municate with him telegraphically. there plainly is dlseord.
 When parliamentary committees. generally so circumspect, make im- perious recommendations, there is de- fiance.
 Check-Up Had Begun
 In brief, Parliament was beginning to cheek up on the premier. And what of our interaliied relations? h. terallied relations are possible only on basis of right. Premier Briand with his own hands destroyed that basis. He surrendered the rights of France on separations. He surrend- cred the rights of Belgium on priori- ties. He surrendered Frances rights in agreeing to German moratorium. He surrendered on the admission of the Germans and of Russian soviet ism to the conferepee on European reconstruction. France had the right to fear that in another day he might have surrendered the vital clause of the treaty of Versailles giving France the right to continue the Rhine oe- cupation even beyond the specified term of 15 years In the event that Germany fails to meet her obliga- tions.
 A majority in the Chamber of Depu- ties weakly had sanctioned the sue cessive surrenders, but the time of resentment and refusal came at last. M- Briand recognized 1t and stepped aside.
 Events Move Rapidly
 Events marched with bewildering rapidity during the week. When the Cannes conference convened it was instantly perceived apprehensiveiy that 1t was preparing to overhaul the whole foundation of the World war peace. The principal parliamentary committees immediately adopted res olutions expressing their inquietude to the premier. Analysing the req sons for this is perhaps the easiest way of clarifying the situation to- day.
 In the first place. there was the question of reparations l will not dwell upon that except to confirm what l eabled q week ago. It was proposed largely to diminish Frances expectations for 1922 Considering the condition of Frances financial budget this reduction was an ex tremely serious thing Furthermore one had the right to suspect that one reduction would only lead to another. Against this the parliamentary fin- ance committee protested.
 Second Canse of Discontept
 A second cause for diseontent was the i'll feeling aroused between trance and Belgium on account of the moratorium granted Germany Here again my recent prediction was confirmed. Tampering with Bel gums priority rights in the German payments was III received at Brus- sels where there was particular ir- rltatloh against Louis Loucheur. who represented France in the matter.
 The third delicate point was the in Vltation to the German delegates to Cannes. Every man of good will was shocked at allowing a conquered na- ton to participate in the debates at the present stage of interallied rela- tions and before Germany has fur nished single proof of her good faith. Obviously it was Germauys hope to complete the split among the allies by clever counter proposals.
 The fourth cause for uneasiness was the attempt to link up German separations with the quite different problem of Europe's economic recon struetion. Whatever you call it. re- paration is punishment and therefore obligatory. Europe's reconstruction is business and therefore requires partnership But a partnership with Germany before she makes the least effort to repair the damage she in- flicted upon this country is a solu- ton which the French public could not admit without revolt. nor could they admit that Germany's payments were dependent upon the successful reconstruction of Europe. For, rest ing upon the unanimous recent report of the separations commission, they believed khat Germany can and must pay now.
 Invitation of Reds Resented
 firth cause for alarm was the invitation to the soviet Government of Russia to be represented at Genoa. At first it was decided to resume only commercial relations with Russia without political significance. but ad- hitting Lenine himself, or a personal representative, would EntaH ineyfta- ply political relationship. At first guarantees were to be asked of Rus sia. but the invitation was issued and accepted without the mention of guarantees. Recognition of the boI- shevik regime by the other govern ments therefore practically accom- plished. The United States, which in a note last year, summarized so force fully the dangers of such a recogni- tion, will understand why France, which lost 10000, DOC, ,000 francs through the soviet revolution, fears the approaching arrival of Lenine or Tchitcherin.
 A, sixth and last concern was the Anglo-French pact, tossed into the Chamber of Deputies by M. Briand, with his take it or leave it" gesture. To sign agreements there must first be agreement, but on nearly every question France and England think differently. Moreover. it is only too obvious that England demands as the price of this pact Frances final acceptance of all the mutilations ot the treaty of Versailles accomplished in the last two years. She demands also new concessions on reparations and the> occupation of the left bank of the Rhine. Remembering Clemen- ceau's accepted tripartite treaty with England and the United States as guaranteeing Frances right under frn ir .t.t