Secrecy Maintained

The Governments of France, Italy, Belgium, Tokyo sent their replies individually to the British Government. Strict secrecy was maintained concerning the nature of these notes. Most of the news printed by the press on the diplomatic aspect of the Ruhr was based on vague official statements coupled with unreliable "inside information."

It is understood that France's policy will be one of procrastination with the object of allowing the impending German crisis to come to a head. In this case Britain will act by sending her note to Germany. If, after that, France still remains recalcitrant, it is probable that Britain, supported by the other Allies, will bring diplomatic, economic and financial pressure to bear on France.

Premier Poincare, however, is not the sort of a man to lose sight of his country's interests in a storm of sentimentality about the' Entente Cordiale. He recognizes that the Entente is a necessity for both France and Britain, but Germany is nearer, and Germany owes France a righteous debt. Indications are not lacking that M. Poincare will endeavor to conciliate the British, but he will insist on a just and lasting settlement with Germany, which will give France adequate guarantees for payment of reparations and national security.

In the Ruhr the French opened the frontier into Germany. It was closed on July 1 as penalty for bombing outrages. Thousands of Germans crossed the line of demarcation, fearing a renewal of the blockade.