The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-06-17
PRESS ON RUHR SITUATION

ten the troubles of others, and they are becoming so engrossed in their own political affairs that they have taken their eyes from the current developments in Europe. Perhaps that is hopeful sign. Perhaps the world in general is becoming tired of the spectacle of continued pickering and is trying to mend it's affairs bJ considering constructive DO ie s Even bankrupt Austria is to be ia vored with an international loan Nevertheless, there are still troubled spots in Europe and there is still that little affair of a few billion marks between France and Germany. Ger. many's most recent offer of a repa- rations settlement will be flatly turned down by France, on the ground that no negotiations are possible as long as the German government con- tinues its policy of passive resistance in the Ruhr.
 The Providence Journal is not dis posed to criticize Frances attitude, and remarks: "She has had the cour. age of her convictions from the out set and that has given her an i'm mense advantage. It is impossible to see what practical course there is for Germany to adopt except to forego her original stubbornness in the Ruhr" It is noted that there has been quite a swing to Frances side in American editorial opinion, now that it has come down to choice between support of Germany and support of France.
 The occupation has been long drawn out, but, in the opinion of the Washington Star, "there is reason to hope that gradually the solution is being worked out by successive moves. If England can persuade France to accept some smaller measure of repa- rations than she is now disposed to demand, or if way can be found to permit her to relinquish the Ruhr occupation in consideration of more liberal and better guaranteed Ger man offer, decided advance will have been made towards settlement. It is to be borne in mind that every month which is not marked by hos tilities is a gain. Successive proposals may not be immediately effective, but closer to adjustment" It is per ceived by a perusal of various com ments that editorial opinion in this country is strongly committed to the theory that Germany could end it all by making some proposal confirm atory of her treaty obligations and conceding Frances right to occupy the Ruhr as a guarantee until other guarantees more compatible with with German national dignity are af- forded.
 This theory Is we'll expressed by the Chicago Evening News: 'Tn France the chief objection raised to the latest Cuno note is that it promises no ces- sation of passive resistance in the Ruhr. If, however, the allied gov ernments were to convey to the Ger man chancellor the intimation that they would call a conference to set tie all other issues if he and his as- sociates would agree to abrogate the edicts they have issued in regard to the Ruhr, and would advise the work CTS in that region to return to the mines and factories, it scarcely can be doubted that the policy of passive resistance, at least, so far as the government Is responsible for it, would be abandoned" The News be- lieves that France should meet Ger many half way. However, Germany's own progress towards meeting has not led her far from home.
 That the Germans latest note Is a step towards peace is the belief of many editors. For example, the Chattanooga News points out that Germany now has advanced to a point where she acknowledges her ob- ligation to pay, and concludes: "At any rate, the proposal and the objec- tions raised by France afford basis for discussion, and, perhaps, Ger many may finally accede to the req sonable demands of the allies and throw herself on the good offices of the separations commission as she might have done at first with perfect safety" The News overlooks the fact that one of the objections made by France is that Germany now pro- poses a special commission to act, in- stead of the separations commission. Premier Poincare very pointedly in- quires why the Germans have been moved to reject the separations com missions offices.
 With reference to the Cuno propo- sals, the Cleveland Plain Dealer says "It is natural that these really prom ising stipulations of the German offer should appeal moro strongly to Great Britain than to France, France Is more eager than Great Britain for actual payment of separations, but she is also committed to the Ruhr en- terprise. England has no interest,
 1. L.,