On Wednesday a statement was published explaining why the Government
are enable to accede to the request of the Belgian Relief Commission for a monthly subvention. The fact is that the Government would like nothing better than to aid this splendid work, on which nearly £500,000 is spent every month. When they gave a provisional promise of support, however, it was on the understanding that Germany should cease requisitioning money and food from Belgium. This was obviously a necessary reservation. A British sub- vention given without conditions would be used by the German Government, even if indirectly, to keep their Army going. Germany has undertaken not to make any more requisitions for food east of Ghent, but has refused to cease making pecuniary requisitions. Her chief pecuniary requisition is the iniquitous monthly levy of £1,600,000. In other words, Germany would take less out of Belgium in one way and more in another. This is a very characteristic piece of jugglery which gives Germany the opportunity to say that she is humane and Britain inhumane. No one fortunately outside Germany is likely to be deceived. All Britain can do at present, therefore, is to withhold a subvention which would be forcibly misapplied, while looking with all sympathy and goodwill upon the excellent work of the Commission.
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