Theunis Out

There came a climax to the pro-French policy of Belgium's Premier Theunis and Foreign Minister Jaspar. They proposed a Franco-Belgian economic convention. They took it to the Chamber. It was defeated 95-79. M. Theunis resigned and, in spite of King Albert, refused to reconsider.

The economic convention was opposed by the Socialists who have consistently opposed nearly every item of French policy (Ruhr, etc.), of which M. Theunis has been the most ardent and consistent supporter. But the Socialists have only 68 votes. In order to oust M. Theunis they needed the votes of the extreme Flemish Catholic party. This they finally received--not so much on account of the specific economic convention as on account of general anti-French feeling which has been growing in Belgium as a result of the failure of French policy to bring good cheer.

But Catholics and Socialists would be strange table-fellows at a Cabinet meeting. They could unite to eject M. Theunis, but could they unite to rule in his stead? That was the question which faced King Albert.

Emile Vandervelde, Socialist leader, demanded new elections with a program of socialization of all means of production, capital levy, reduction of military service, international agreement with the powers, including Russia. He had recently consulted with Ramsay Macdonald of England.

Paris was dismayed. Poincare had lost a friend, said the journals. France was isolated. The proposed economic convention was not unfavorable to Belgium. France was to yield 10% on import duties of 140 articles while Belgium was to yield on only a few articles. But it was felt that the convention would bind Belgium to France as against either England or Germany.

M. Theunis started for the Riviera.