Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-09-25
AMBASSADOR SHARP
MERELY STRESSED
NEUTRALITY OF U. S.
Interview, Censored in Paris
Praised French Institu-
tions and Forecast Eventual
American Mediation.

NEW YORK, Sept. 25.-From Paris IA.
day was received a copy of the Psr.
Herald, of date of September TO- con
tanning the interview of William n
Sharp, newly appointed United Stats
Ambassador, which created SO much com.
ment
1t Is said that the French Government
was so agitated by the interview that tba
censor refused to allow newspaper cor
respondents to transmit It to American
newspapers.
The article, as It appeared in the Paris
Herald is herewith reproduced verbatim.
"a Herald correspondent yesterday had
conversation with w. G. Sharp, who
has been appointed to succeed Myron It.
HerricR as American Ambassador ia
Paris.
"Air. Sharp is stopping at the Hotel de
Crillon with his son George.
"As he explained to the correspondent,
he Is making himself familiar with the
political situation and conditions OF the
moment, and so preparing himself to take
over his office at the proper time.
1.-The war has upset many diplomatic
and other precedents.' observed Mr..
Sharp, and he added: AT this critical
period it is quite obvious that Mr.. Her.
rick could not desert his post. His
knowledge and experience have been
valuable in dealing with the exceptional
and trying situation created by the
war
MIR. Sharp added that he had just seen
Mr. Herrick. to whom he paid high COM
pliments. Mr.. Herrick, he declared. Is
as popular in France as in America.
"'The first duty of an Ambassador
continued Mr.. Sharp, is to maintain the
friendliest relations between his country
and that to which he is accredited. 1t
is almost unnecessary to say that there
will be no change of policy with my ar
rival as Ambassador to France. The
friendship between the United States and
France was never firmer than it Is to-
day. Personally, l am fervent ad-
mirer of France, of French art, culture
and science.
Probably no country in the world is
more universally admired for it's high de-
gree of civilization than France. But 1t
is my duty, as the future representative
of the United States, to be absolutely
neutral in everything concerning the'
present conflict 1t cannot be too strongly
stated that the United States Govern
ment will not swerve from its attitude,
of strict neutrality. The more impartial
VIC remain, the stronger our position will.
be, and the better it will be. indeed, for
all the belligerents when the time comes
for discussing the conclusion of peace.
For ! shall not be indiscreet II Ii
give voice to the thought held by many :,
people that the role of the United States
is bound to be a most important one at
the moment
THE future Ambassador could scarcely
fureshadow with greater clearness Amer :
ica's eventual mediation. President VIII
sons recent Offer he said, was timely,
and although every one knew it could 2
not then be accepted. yet it had the effect i
already Of setting mems minds thinking
What nation could be more fitted
than the United States to take the lead
in peace negotiations?' asked Mr.. Sharp. z
In our nation are amalgamated all the
races now at war. Our sincerity is un-
doubted. Our natural position of i'm
partiality and neutrality Is such that's
Americas voice would surely be listened
to at the opportune moment
Mr.. Sharp himself belongs to various
peace organizations In America. He be- 1
licves that. after. the present war, there.
will be a complete revulsion of public
opinion throughout the world in favor OF
peace.
Never he said, will there have been Z.
a ripper moment for the scheme of general
disarmament
"Mr Sharp would like to see the United
states n party TO an epoch-naking treaty
seeking an international accord. In this
respect he believes that, atrocious as is q
this European confagration, good VIII <
be the outcome for all nations whoever
the victols may he, if Europe reaps
lasting peace.
Mr. sharp comes to Paris with gem
eral knowledge of international political J
affairs, having served as a member OF
the United states Congress for three
terms, and holding the position of rank .
ing member of the Foreign Relations
Committee at the time Of his appoint
mcnt."