Evening star., 1923-02-13
RUHR AND DEBTS
STRESSED BY KING
-lContinued from First Paxe.)

iEUHl fltSt TdkcJ
effort to bring to a close the condi-
tions OF warfare which for over eight
years have desolated regions Of the
near east. / greatly regret that. in
spite OK the conciliatory spirit shown
by the allies and the Immense con-
cessions they were prepared to make.
the treaty. when on the verge of
signature, was declined by the Turk
Ish delegation. But I cherish the
nope that when the full report OF
the proceedings has reached the
turkish government the latter may
stu be disposed to accept the treaty,
and that the opportunity so earnestly
ana laboriously prepared of rebuild
ing the peace OF the east and the
STABILITY of the future Turkish state
NAV not be sacrificed.
4 welcome the prospective settle
nent OF our war debt to the United
states or America, which reflects the
determination of our people to meet
their obligations"
In dealing with trade and domestic
policies the speech said:
L look forward more particularly to
the greater development of inter-
imperial trade in cooperation with the
various governments of my empire.
Meanwhile. full effect will be given to
special measures which have been
initiated to afford relief to the situation
The condition Of agriculture contin-
ues TO receive the careful consideration
OF my ministers, with a view to the
alleviation of some difficulties In the in
dustry you will be invited to consider
proposals for granting credit facilities
to agriculturists
The anomalies of the present system
or local taxation have long called for
reform, and my ministers are examining
be found practicable to deal with the
subject on comprehensive basis and
IN particular to remove some Of the
burdens which press OH the agricultural
industry.
More Insurance Bills.
Among measures which will be pres
ented for your considera ton will be
bills dealing with unemployment insur-
ance the benefit of housing, the rate
boards and industrial insurance"
The session of parliament promises
interest. There is also every indica- @
tion that its deliberations will be
rather lively
1t is generally conceded that the
government faces an exacting task.
It's majority is only about seventy
strong. and Its whips will need to
apply special vigilance to keep this
group together. in view of the ener-
getic attacks to which il will be sub
)ected by the strong labor party, to
say nothing Of the liberals.
Spirit OF AkEression.
The laborites make no attempt to
conceal that they are entering the
session In spirit of aggression, de-
termined to force the pace and arouse
parliament in an unprecedented man
ner. Their leader. Ramsay MacDon-
a w hxr
strength behind him, is leader Of the
opposition. is an experienced and able
parii humanitarian 1t is generally con-
ceded that the present state of ma
ttonal and international affairs sup
plies Mr. Macdonald and his follow
which they can concentrate their ac-
ttvittes Unemployment, housing and
national finance are among the prom
inent domestic matters to which the
party Is Pledged to pay its special at
tention: Labor's great plank, a levy
on capital, also will be aggressively
pressed.
Expected to Urge Ruhr Action.
Great Britain's foreign policy will
furnish at least an equal number
OF contentious topics, and Mr.. Mac
Donald il expected to call upon the
government to take the initiative,
with the cooperation OF the United
States II possible, in an endeavor to
bring about the evacuation Of the
Ruhr.
The British position in Palestine
and Mesopotamia has a prominent
place among labor's criticisms. As re-
CARDS the evacuation of Mesopotamia,
the laboriteS are not alone. for such
a step is being insistently demanded
by many politicians outside the ranks
OF the labor party.
The attitude OF the liberals-both
the Independents led by Mr.. Asquith
and the national liberals. whose lead
er Is David Lloyd George-is regard
ed as one OF the burning topics Of
what less clear than that Of labor,
for IT Is somewhat overshadowed for
the movement by the question of a
reunion Of the two wings.
Lloyd George Wants Fusion.
Mr.. Lloyd George is credited with &.
keen desire to fuse with his old col
leagues. However. many of the lat
ter are rather afraid OF the liability
of the former premiers recent politi-
cal past and are doubtful how he
would use his position in q united
party.
1t is not expected that the govern
ment's program will be of Il very am
bilious character, aiming rather at
the revival of industry, relief of I'M
employment and balancing of the
budget. than introducing any spec
tacular measures.
The Ruhr situation is becoming
particularly difficult, involving as it
does the question of relations with
France. The laborites and the Llayd
George faction are already insistently
demanding the withdrawal of the
British troops from the Cologne area
and would have England removed
from any responsibility in the French
action. Frances policy in the Ruhr
has not been we'll received by the
country as q whole.
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