Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-07-31
Premier Baldwin And Lord
Curzon Plainly Worried Over
Situation--See Only A Con-
tinuation Of Negotiations,
Gloomy Comment of Premier
French Still Adhere To
Ruhr Policy, Supported By
Belgians

London, July 30 (By A. P.)-The
French and Belgian ambassadors
this evening handed to Lord Curzon,
secretary of state for foreign affairs,
the replies Of their governments 20
the British note proposing negotia-
tons with Germany to solve the
problem of the Ruhr and the greater
problem Of German reparations.
Thus, commonplace enough, ended
one chapter in the trying negotia-
tons.
Yet 1t is question in the mind of
the British public whether these
notes do more than open chapter IN
the wearisome process. If Premier
Baldwin has brought about any
change resembling finality or an al
lied agreement he will be acclaimed
as a miracle worker. But there are
no signs that a miracle has been
worked.
Premier Baldwin and Lord Curzon
plainly cherish no such optimism.
Both spoke briefly in parliament
the commons and lords respectively
tiations at that moment Both were
terse; neither voiced any hope that
Great Britain and France had drawn
closer together.
There will be an attempt to dis
cuss the topic before parliament ad-
journs Thursday as the members
are eager to learn the exact aspect OF
affairs.
No promise was given today that
they would likely see the curtain
raised. The premier, speaking only
an hour or so before the foreign sec
rotary received the ambassadors, told
the Commons it was very doubtful
whether anything would be received
days debate. The premier gave one
gloomy hint.
II am afraid" he said. at will only
he continuation Of the negotia-
tons"
Lord Curzon informed tho Lords
with an air of weary resignation
he certainly would give them n state
ment Thursday if it were within his
power to do so but his manner clear
ly indicated he didn't think 1t would.
No hints have come across the
channel that Premier Toincare has
abandoned or even modified the views
which his government has previously
held tenaCiously and on every oppor-
tunity he has reiterated the planks
in his platform that there will be no
beginning Of conversations with
Germany until and unless Germany
formally renounces passive resis-
lance in the Ruhr. and that there will
be no withdrawal from the Ruhr
until Germany has paid France all
she demands.
That seems to be the deep gulf
which no minor concessions that
France makes to Great Britain can
bridge.
One outstanding feature of this,
latest chapter in allied dealings has
been the deep secrecy which has en-
shrouded it.
Brussels advices say that Belgium
but that the Belgian reply contains
supports France on the main points
elements of constructive plan in
which respect it is believed to go
beyond the French answer.
After the British parliament ad-
journs Thursday both the French
and British cabinets will have charge
of affairs during the long parlia-
mentary recess. Premier Baldwin
tonight told ]. Ramsay Macdonald,
the opposition leader, that the Brit
ish parliament can be summoned
quickly in the event Of emergency
but that if it adjourns without hav-
inc assurances of progress in lifting
the darkest European cloud it will
disperse in an atmosphere of deep
gloom.