New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-07-22
FRANCE And GERM1NY.
Little Hope of Understanding
Under Present Conditions.

Paris, July 21.-The recent talk of under
standing between France and Germany appears
to have little chance Of realization. The Prince
Of Monaco has been the prime mover in the
scheme to induce the TWO neighbors to bury
old grievances, and he seems to have impressed
certain politicians at Berlin, and possibly the
Emperor himself, with the idea that by means
OF an arrangement with France Germany could
emerge from the circle which has almost iso-
lated her. There is also a considerable French
faction which believes that France should cease
to play EnSlands game, and that her surest
guarantee Of the peace for which she strives
would be a frank understanding with Germany.
The present controlling political powers in the
French government, however would consider
anything in the nature Of an understanding
with Germany nothing short Of treachery to
the alliance and the series of friendships which
France has SO industriousy built up IN recent
years
II is authoritativey explained that with due
regard to her alliance and friendships France
could and would be willing to make a special
arrangement with Germany covering some par
ticular point of difference. For that purpose
NJ. Cambon, the French Ambassador to Ger
many is ready to receive any communication
which the German government may care to
make. But, pointed out here, there are no
pending differences concerning frontiers or
other matters which could form the subject OF
a special agreement The last source OF special
difference disappeared with the adjustment of
the Moroccan question by the Algeciras con-
vention. The only possible basis of under
standing, therefore. would be financial France
as the great world banker, Is always in funds
for Investment, and many French bankers have
long believed that the best way TO insure peace
with Germany would be TO induce heavy French
investments in German Industrial enterprises.
From purely business point of view they have
also considered such investments. which pay
and per cent against or per cent obtain
able in France. The French government how
ever. has heretofore steadily opposed the financ-
ing Of German enterprises. and what money has
gone to Germany has done in spite OF the
governments attitude.
1t is along these lines alone that some sort
Of understanding seems possible but here too,
at the outset. political considerations enter.
Germany is willing to have French capital
bark with German money in the Bagdad Rail-
road, but only on condition that England and
Russia are excluded. For France such condi-
lions are impossible Of acceptance. II must also
be borne IN mind that NJ. Clemenceau is strong
partisan Of the British-French combination. and
as long as he has the helm nothing is likely to
be done which would be remotely preJudiCiaI to
English interests. The indications. therefore,
are that nothing in the direction Of under
standing with Germany viii be accomplished for
the present, but that France Will simply seek to
maintain the present good relations" with Ger
many which NJ. Pichon, in his speech before the
Chamber described as better than they had been
for years.