The Washington times., 1915-05-13
Powers May Appoint
United States Trustee
TO tOHOldCOnStantinOpLe
BY JUDSON c. WELLIyER


The part which the United states
could and would play in an Euro
pean war is discussed in Washington
pretty extensively these days. There
arc not wanting people who believe
this country would, by entering the
war on the side OF the anti-Germanic
federation, actually weaken that side.
This same opinion has been strong
ly presented in England and in the
British press.
On the other hand there are those
who believe this country could and
would be useful accession to that
side, If aligned with 1t.
One OF the most interesting views
developed by this discussion was
stated today by man whose IN
timacy with foreign relations en-
titles him to serious consideration.
IT is an entirely unofficial expression.
and deals with the possibility that
the United states would, in fact. play
a very important part. diplomatically,
in a war and in the subsequent nego-
tiations and rearrangements.
Trustee for ConstantinOple.
In this analysis. which represents
views not remote from the general staff
of the army. 1t is suggested that the
United States might become the trustee
for Constantinople. be placed In charge
of the government and management of
the city, established as an interna-
tional policing authority, and by com
mon consent among the powers be desig-
mated to hold the city pending n final
determination Of its fate and future.
Such a part could be played by the
United States, It Is suggested. more ap-
propriately than by any nation now in
VOlyed In the hOstilitipa
That the allies will at length take the
ancient Byzantine capital Is generally
believed by military and naval men.
They say that Great Britain would suf-
Mohammedan and other Asiatic and
African peoples. II this Dardanelles
campaign should fail. that her whole
future as an imperial figure would be
menaCed. She must conquer the Turk
or risk the great danger that some
time in the future the Turk will become
the instrument responsible for a dis
integration of the British dominions
Therefore, the utmost effort will be put
forth by the British government.
French, British. and Russians are CO.
operating in the campaign against Con-
stantinople. 1t is perfectly possible that
before 1t Is taken there may be Italian
and Greek troops and warships in the
allied forces.
Divergencies of Interest.
Among all these there are such di-
vergence of interests and sentiment
concerning the ultimate disposition OF
the city. that the emearrassments OF
possession might easily prove quite as
serious as the difficulties on its con-
quest.
One power. however. is In position
to take over the control OF the city as
trustee for the interests OF the world
That power Is the United States
There are. moreover. many specific
| reasons why American control would
be appropriate. This country has very
considerable commercial interests, and
yet greater philanthropic interests r.
| Turkey. Schools. colleges, hospitals
| elesmosenary establishments OF all
| kinds, and wide extent OF mission,
| ary efforts, stand for the concern thai
| America feels md must continue tc
feel regarding the ultimate disposition
or the city by the Golden Horn, anc
| the slice Of European territory that has
| for several centuries been the Turks
basis Of claim to place among the rea
powers.
Occidental people and interests II
Turkish lands have been sufferers bs
reason OF the war. The frenzy thai
would ovortake the Mohammedan Don
ulations If Constantinople would fal