The Omaha morning bee. [volume] (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927, 1923-03-07
Laborites in
Britain Oppose
Ruhr Invasion
Prime Minister Talks Out
Resolution Demanding Ex-
planation Of Intentions
From France.

London. March 6.-The debate in
the house Of commons tonight on af-
fairs in the Ruhr reflected the strong
growing feeling which has been OBJ.
served OF late in the liberal and labor
press deprecating the government at
titude of benevolent neutrality and in.
sisting that England take a definite
stand. not necessarily Withdrawing its
troops from the Rhine. but informing
France plainly in a formal note that
England disapproved OF the French
policy and demands that the French
government explicitly define its inten-
tions toward Germany.
J. Ramsay Macdonald. leader Of the
laborites. moved resolution, that,
with a view to securing peace. Eng
land should invite the French and
Belgian chambers 10 appoint repre-
sentative committees to meet SINH
lar delegation to exchange views on
the occupation Of the Ruhr and the
V4VUitifio vi anu tUI4 SA4ViiSt
Time Not Ripe.
The prime minister maintained his
previous opinion that the time was
not ripe for occupation. that such a
move would be regarded as hostile TO
France and that the government vas
not prepared TO assume that responsi-
bility. lie appealed TO the labor lead
er not to press the matter TO d.
vision. and the resolution was talked
ca.
Mr.. MacDonald's plan provoked IT.
tie enthusiasm In the house generally.
Robert Cecil, III. 4. l. Fisher and
Bonar Law all agreed that il had
little to recommend II, though many
OF the speakers voiced full sympathy
with the laborite's general references
10 the French action.
Mr.. Macdonald declared that France
was rewriting the treaty Of Versailles
without consulting her allies. and
events were happening which were
only 100 likely to lead TO a new war
He feared that the nations were be
coming less shamefaceA in openly
talking OF preparations for the next
war. and he warned the house OF the
possibility Of France signing a separ-
ate peace with Germany and present
ing the allies with the accomplished
fact.
He admitted that he did not insist
upon the letter OF his resolution. but
only upon its substance. and urged
that England should have the couI.
age to give the moral lead to Europe
and define her position and stand BY
II instead of allowing herself 20 be
controlled by events like n puppei.
The important point was TO get an
international loan so as 10 provide
France with the immediate cash sic
needed.
Differ on Plans.
Lord Robert Cecil agreed that the
government should make 1t quite clear
to the other governments where IL
stood and what its policy was. II. A.
L. Fisher contended that Il was an
international problem and shat every
effort should be made 10 get the
United States In.
France had gained nothing by hcr
Ruhr adventure. on the contrary she
had sustained heavy loss and II was
impossible 10 propecy the outcome.
lie admitted that the government he'd
nothing II could propose TO the house.
and said that perhaps the absence %
a policy was bad but TO have n palley
which could not succeed and which
in Itself was had would he even worsa
Bonar Law argued that II was not
question OF VI. Poineare or his gov.
ornment.
Evidence Indicated that with the
Lresent French chamber any French
government would have been impelled
20 tho same course. Clearly the
French policy was supported by both
chambers and the French people
therefore the British government had
no alternative before IT,
Two Courses Open.
There were only two courses. the
rrime minister continued. ITO ae.
cept the Ruhr advance with the great
est amount of friendly feeling possible
or 10 nFtAk lHtiu Fifi iiaNt Wv wv
countries practically hostile.
To himself. u gemed inevitable
that 10 break the entente would mean
forcing will on France by war At
this moment. France would deeply
resent any attempt at mediation. The
government had dlssoclatod Itself from
the French action. but who did not
desire 70 quarrel with France II u
could possibly be avoided. The gov
ernment's policy would not change
with euoh debate on the situation. lie
did not believe for a moment that any
French Statesman seriously contem
plated forming an European bloc
against England.
lie concluded by asking what sort
~ reception Mr.. Macdonald thought
his proposal would mcet IN the
French and Belgian chambers.