29 DECEMBER 1923, Page 2

It is important that the investigations should be conducted with

all the speed that is compatible with thoroughness. The havoc that has been wrought in the Ruhr and the Rhineland is now revealed to the light of day. The cessation of passive resistance and the compliance of the Ruhr industrialists have done little or nothing as yet to restore normal life. The recon- struction of the railways alone will be a tremendous job. And who is in control? France wants to be but dares not say so. Berlin dares to claim control but is unable to exert it. Yet Berlin must hold the purse- strings if ever Germany is to pay reparations. It will be seen at a glance that if the Committees are to be of any use they must go into the whole problem in spite of M. Poincare.