Of course there arc other complications—Germany's loss of mines and
works in Upper Silesia, the French control of mines in the Saar Basin, the election by Luxembourg to cut her old connexion, which was in effect German tutelage, and join a commercial union with Belgium instead. But the most prominent facts are those given in the last paragraph and they made it plain seven years ago that such highly organized industries would come to an arrangement sooner or later. If the French had not tried to gain an economic advantage by force when they invaded the Ruhr Valley three years ago, agreement would have come sooner. The passive resistance there and the fall of the mark (giving Germany a false temporary advantage as an exporter) defeated this part of the French plans and they have learnt that bargaining on equal terms will be more profitable to both sides.
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