ABSTRACT
The British approach to peacemaking after the Great War of 1914-1918 has been variously portrayed. In western Europe, Alsace-Lorraine, the Rhineland, and the Saar Valley were the major regions at stake. Besides the Belgian claim to Eupen and Malmedy, Belgium’s demands for the left bank of the Scheldt indirectly affected Germany. If the Dutch lost land to Belgium, they could be compensated with German territory. Revealing an anti-French and anti-Slav bias, the General proposed a post-war balance of power system pivoting around a strong Germanic central Europe. Arthur James Balfour contemplated weakening Germany by the amputation of Alsace-Lorraine and of eastern provinces; so too did the Foreign Office planners. The establishment of the Prime Minister’s personal secretariat in January 1917 added another influence on British policy. Lord Curzon’s sub-committee advised a moderate European settlement even in case of a total victory over the Central Powers.
