Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1923-07-13
The British Declaration.

frenlef BALDWIN speech III COM
mons yesterday on the subject of Ger
man reparations puts the case in a
most diplomatic manner, and in terms
which should work out to better stu
alton in Europe. There is no threat
of a breach of the entente. There is
no suggestion of direct and exclusive
negotiations between England and
Germany. The policy of France in
adopting direct measures of territory
occupation is questioned, but not de-
nounced. Hope is expressed that repa-
rations may be effected through differ
ent measures, particularly by ascer-
tainment of the capacity of Germany
TO pay by means of an international
commission.
Fears of a break in the entente are
allayed, by this discreet and consider
ate announcement by the head of the
British government, even though
France may not relish it; may, indeed,
seek to reject 1t and pursue the course
Of the past half year. Indeed, so
adroit is Mr.. Baldwin's statement that
IL would seem impossible for France
10 go on without, in effect, assuming
responsibility for a rupture of the en-
tente If that should come.
But it is not question of where lies
the responsibility for the maintenance
of the allied front. 1t is a question of
how Germany can be made to pay ade-
quately. and how the economic sta
bility of Europe can be restored. Pre-
mier Baldwin holds that this can be
done best and most surely through
submission Of the question to an inter
national commission charged with de-
termining Germany's capacity to pay
and the terms of payment.
Words Of positive assurance TO
France of comfy of purposes are
not lacking. As for example:
We are as determined as any Of our
allies that Germany shall make repa-
rations for the damage done in the
great war up to the fullest extent of
her capacity. We have never wavered
on this point / do not believe that
our people ever will. Indeed. We go
further and we are ready, as we have
said on many occasions. and as was
use every measure to compel Ger
many to pay up to the amount Of her
capacity.
cism of the present Ruhr policy of the
continental allies:
The French and Belgian govern
ments assure us that their sole OBJ
ject in occupying the Ruhr is to Sc
cure payment of PREPARATIONS. If that
is so, the difference between us is one
Of method rather than of aim. But we
are convinced that indefinite con-
tinuation of this state of affairs is
fraught with grave peril. Germany
herself appears to be going fast to-
ward economic chaos, which may it
self be succeeded by social and indus
trial ruin.
The danger from these conditions
lies not alone or primarily in the di-
rection Of German suffering On that
score Premier Baldwin leaves no ques-
tion. The danger from German col
lapse, he points out, is certain to react
upon the economic health of Europe
at large. and Of the world as well. He
says, "It is not too much to say that
the recovery of the world is in danger,
and that the peace for which so many
sacrifices were borne Is at stake
Naturally there will be feeling in
France against the British proposal.
The situation there is difficult. The
government cannot relinquish it's Ruhr
program on it's own initiative without
putting itself in jeopardy at home. 1t
was this fact that made the British
premier's statement so fraught with
peril for the solidarity of the entente.
But between the embarra ssment of a
change of policy and the danger of a
break In the alliance France cannot
conceivably hesitate in her choice, un-
less it be the purpose of the govern
ment at Paris to maintain the con-
tinental leadership at the risk of a gen.
eral collapse and possibly a renewal
of war.