Evening star., 1923-08-05
BALDWIN REACHES HOUR
OF HIS GREAT DECISION
Political Future Depends Upon Expedi-
! ton Of Reparations Settlement.
Firmness Believed Certain.

politically chiefly
Possibly at no time since the
lie backing among his people as a
whole than has Premier Baldwin at
the present moment Everywhere
there apparently prevails the predomi-
establish definite policy at once and
no longer defer action in the futile
attempt to placate Poincare and
Thenuis or even attempt to infiu-
The die hard element does not
ask the government to continue nego-
tfations with the French as much as
il would have Premier Baldwin capitu-
late to the French. admit the validity of
the French position and even go so far
as to back it up in future actions in the
Ruhr and in the Rhineland. This
course. however, generally is unpopular.
Enemies to Seize Advantnges.
Premier Baldwin's political enemies
may be expected to seize every ad-
vantage. If he is to perpetuate his
policies he will be forced to extreme
agility in avoiding currents running
counter to his general desire to put
England across" in the general ques-
tion of reparations and continental
peace. security and advance, as he
has outlined.
There is a feeling in London among
most all classes that Premier Bald
win should do something aggressive
to preserve general British prestige.
There is an inclination on the part
of the government. however, to pro-
ceed cautiously before splitting with
France and sending direct reparations
reply to Germany until the public and
the world at large has had adequate
time to become informed fully of the
many British attempts to restore con-
tinental equilibrium. In short the
British government. with full justi-
tication for its particular viewpoint.
will attempt & to pass pass the In.sS,, huek 10 10
blame in case the British should act
Independently.
EngIand'S Possible Allies.
England will not stand alone in case
she makes il plain that she can no long
er go side by side with France in the
general settlement of the German prob
lem 1t is known that all the Scandi-
navian countries, which have been more
or less sympathetic to the Germans,
even from the inception of the war. and
who more or less have been the victims
of trade diSlocation, will back England
TO the finish in efforts to restore order
from chaos In addition it is known
that Spain is eager to assist in reStora-
tion processes. Russia, though hating
the British for impeding the general
process of Russian recognition, would
SympathiZe with any move that would
prevent the extension of the French
military and diplomatic power on the
continent Premier MuSSolini, through
his ambassador in London, but last week
voiced general compliance with the more
general terms of the British. 1t like
wise is known that there will be little
dlfhculty in adjusting the Italian and
British governmental viewpoints when
the time is ripe for definite announce
ment of plans In fact, the British and
Italian notes to the Germans may go
forward at the same time
Question as to Future Courses.
There is some question as to fu-
ture courses of southeaster Europe.
particularly some of the nations of
the little entente, which formerly
were part of the old Teutonic en-
pires. Though through the war they |
became independent and are there |
fore extremely desirous of maintain /
ing their independence, it is believed ,
in London that they are in measure
bound by racial and sentimental ties
TO Germany and Austria. Their flu
ture prosperity in large measure is
dependent upon going central /
Europe.
Should England and other nations
actively go to the aid of Germany in |
settling its present dilemma and in !
surlng recovery, it is not certain that !
some of the nations now composing |
the little entente will not be Swayed
from French domination and thereby |
undermine the political grip France /
has gained in eastern Europe since
the peace of Versailles.
There is a feeling in many we'll in
formed circles that diSaffection is ex- J
tremely possible. inasmuch as Ru-
mania. Czechoslovakia. and even Jugo- !
Slavia, are most interested in recon !
structive processes within their own |
domain. and these reconstructive !
processes can best be aided by the !
nation that holds most securely Euro |
pean purse strings. That is England |
There also are signs OF disunion in !
the little entente over the question of |
admittance to the Balkan !
league a thing most desired by |!
France. and ii is reported in London !
that even the adroit maneuverings of !
Premier Benes of Czechoslovakia will !
fail to maintain the present union. |
Inquestionably. politically and mill |
tarily. France dominates j major |
portion of continental Europe /
Question Of the Hour.
Can Premier Baldwin. by dealing di- !
rectly with Germany. and giving I
other countries, worn down to a point !
of despair by dislocated economic, |
financial and social conditions. some !
hope of settled order. wig support |
from Frances present-day smaller |
allies?
If he can do so, by deferring a /.
break with France and establishing /
England'S position in the meantime, |
then there is little question but that !;
British national prestige on the con-
tinent will ascend by leaps and bounds !
and Premier Baldwins position in !
England proper will be made more !
secure.