Evening star., 1923-10-14
FRANCES CAUTION
IN .RFUHR DEFENDED
Tardieu Says "Unity" Plea
by Lloyd George in U. S.
Bellies His Record.
BY ANDRE TARDIEU

By Cable TO The Star.
PARIS, October 13.-The extreme
confusion now reigning in Germany
sharrens the audacity of the right
parties, while it causes the weak
kneed left parties to waver and
wabble. The latter, thanks to the
majority socialists, are still the
strongest numerically in the reich
stag, but the former possessing
stronger leadership and greater re-
sources. seems destined to have the
last word.
Chancellor Stresemann's role in
this imbroglio appears rather discon-
certing Stresemann began as an en-
ploye of the great industrial magnates.
Politically he is a BiSmarkian, and MS
speeches as head of the populist party
have more than once sounded an eX-
treme nationalistic note.
Supporters Disappointed.
Destiny brought him into power at
a moment when his previous deciara-
tions could not possibly be executed.
His first act as. chancellor was to
confess that passive resistance could
not continue. And, indeed. it never
had a chance of succeeding without
turally. there is feeling OF dlSap-
pointment among Stresemann's sup
porters, and it is inevitable that this
disappointment will drive the chan
cellor into the arms of those who
opposed him yesterday. This week
contradictory events are the express
sion of this situation.
Hugo SHINES, whose personal re-
lations with Chancellor Stresemann
have never been sympathetic, is rep
resented by certain reports as seek
ing to upset the government. This
Is possible, but II is hard to see how
Germanys present difficulties could
be resolved more easily by the one
than the other of these gentlemen.
Mark Must BE Stable
The production policy, of which
SHINES is the champion, would re-
quire in his case. as in Chancellor
Stresemanns the abrogation OF the
eight-hour day. and trouble might
follow. Furthermore. no monetary
reform could be undertaken. consid-
aring the present level of the mark,
without Immediately provoking an
industrial crisis. And yet. so long
as the mark remains where 1t is
there is no possibility either for in
ternal stability or external negotia-
tions.
These reasons explain the extreme
reserve of France and Belgium.
am told that this reserve has oc-
castoned surprise in England and the
United states. where the people do
not comprehend why, since Chancel-
lor Stresemann withdrew the re-
sstance orders. France and Belgium
refused to negotiate with him.
1t is true that the German charge
daffaires at Brussels and Paris re-
ceived negative replies when they
offered to reopen conversations.
Premier Poincare declared that so far
as resumption of work in the Ruhr
was concerned. direct agreements
with the local Ruhr organizations
were sufficient. and as for a general
reparations settlement. he directed
Germany to consult the reparations
commission.
Policy Seems Variable.
Obviously, this abstention cannot last
forever But so long as we are so ill
informed concerning the alignment of
the various forces in Germany. it is per-
fectly justifiable. The most one can
say in criticism of this position is that
the Franco Belgian policy denies it's own
beginning. Last January, when occupa
tion began, we were appealing to Ger
many's good WILL" Systematically ne
glecting those local organisms with
which we treat today, and which then
could have taken control. Now. when
Germany yields, we refuse to talk to
her and deal with the industrialists
whom we have neglected all these
months. This appears rather inconsist-
ent and seems to represent great
waste Of time.
Any guess is a good one about what
may happen in Germany-fall of the
government. dissolution of the reich
stag or open revolt The situation re-
sembleS in many respects that which
followed the armiStice. Again Germany
has been deceived by leaders who prom
ised an impossible victory Again she
seeks men capable of shouIdering the
responsibility of defeat and disappoint-
ment.
Two Methods Fail.
The people naiveIy believed in the
ultimate success of Gernnany's