3 MARCH 1923, Page 1
The first is predominantly French, both in origin and in
inclination. Thiers called the French the " demon people," always restlessly seeking to change, to reshape the map of. Europe. And to-day there can be no doubt that comprehensive schemes for a new grouping of the Powers are current in France. From the first it was clear that for good or ill French diplomatists and poli- ticians " have learnt - nothing and forgotten nothing." For them all Leagues, covenants, agreements, are but so much paraphernalia in the iron game of seeking a configuration of Europe which- will serve the interests of France. To-day they find themselves in the position of having alienated almost all intelligent opinion : of being deeply committed in the Ruhr, and of being in desperate financial straits.
