The size of the French Air Force, to which the
Manchester Guardian obviously referS and to which Mr. Baldwin with equal obviousness referred in the House of Commons, seems to us wholly unnecessary. In this case fear of Germany can hardly be the explana- 1090 tion, as a German air fleet does not exist and is of course, prohibited by the Treaty. This intention ol France to keep up her armaments, almost as it seems for armaments' sake, is one of the most significantly dangerous signs. Such a policy not only keeps Europe in perpetual unrest, but keeps America in a temper ol contemptuous mistrust. It is not to be wondered at that there is no progress to record towards a settlement of Reparations. It must be added, however, that the immediate excuse or reason for another week's delay is that France cannot act without Belgium, and Belgium is still without a Government when we write on Thursday, though it is hoped within a day or two M. Theunis will have reconstructed his Cabinet.
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