East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1914-12-26

CBy Henry Wood. United Press staff
Correspondent
ROME. Nov. 10 (By Mail 10 New
York)-The resumption OF diplomat
ic relations between the vatican and
France today became practically as
sured when II became known that
negotiations TO that end initiated by
Pope Benedict have already progress
ed 70 a favorable point
The efforts OF the vatican in this
direction are being taken at Rome as
only one more example OF the quick.
decisive action which has marked
every step OF the pontificate OF the
new pope. AS a matter OF fact. this
resumption OF official relations be-
tween the vatican and Paris. import
ant as It Is in Itself. Is only one step
in the bigger plan Of Pope Benedict,
to bring about a settlement OF the
famous Roman question" and 10 es-
tablish peace between the vatican and
the Qulrinal
Pope Benedct's plan 10 this end
pBovides for the vatican having an
officlar representative at the peace
conference which will adjust the af-
fairs OF Europe at the close OF the
present war Negotiations TO attain
this result have already been opened
directly with England and II has now
become desirable that the vatican al
so negotiate directly with France.
For the moment. owing TO the rup'
ture OF diplomatic relations which
has existed since the separation OF
the church and state in France, this
she cannot do.
II Is also highly desirable for the
vatican that when the peace confer
ence begins its labors that she be on
friendly relations with all OF the pow
ers that will be represented. At the
present time France is the only one
OF the European nations engaged In
the war with whom the vatican Is not
In accord Austria. Russia, Germany
Belgium and even Servia have regular
ambassadors accredited TO those
courts Although England does not
have these official diplomatic rela-
tlons with the vatican, the latter has
direct communication with the Eng
lish government through Cardinal
Bourne. archbishop OF Westminster.
For the peace conference 10 be con-
vened without the vatican being In
official relation with France would
unquestlonably prove a great draw
back 10 Pope Benedlcts desire 10 set
tie once and for all the quarrel be-
tween Italy and the vatican and to
place the latter on a thoroughly guar
anteed basis Of temporal independ-
ence.
Much as II Is to the vatican's ad-
vantage In the present moment 10
be on friendly terms with France II
has been no secret for several years
past that France also was In n most
receptive mood. Where the protec'
ton OF large Catholic populations IN
the orient has been entrusted by the
vatican since the separation OF the
church and state in France. TO other
powers France has found herself
steadily losing prestige in those eoun-
tries. This prestige has been going
largely 10 btInldllg ouu hNoNAsef W.
have at all times maintained friendly
relations with the Holy See.
Calling as this has been In the past
10 France. II would certainly be more
insupportable when the present war
is over were che 10 see her two enc
mics continue to enjoy these advan- /
tages. and for that reason both !
France at the present moment ap-
pears fully as disposed TO make peace
as is the vatican.
From highest vatican resources II
was declared today that the negotia-
tions for resumption OF diplomatic
relations have been progressing for
fully a month past. Cardinal Annette
OF Paris has been delegated with the
task on behalf Of the vatican while
former Premier BRAND has conduct
ed the negotiations for the French
government. They are declared to
have arrived at basis that Is now
ready for submission TO the vatican
and Bordeaux. with the urgent ne
cessity Of the two powers getting to-
gether before the present war ends
II Is now thought likely that either
will raise any obstacles that might
be Of an unsurmountable nature ana
speedy settlement is being univer-
sally expected.