Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-12-18
DOUBT MR.. WILSON'S
PLAN IS HELD BACK
Skepticism Regarding Report
Touching League of Nations
and Sea Freedom.
WASHINGTON VIEWS GIVEN

OF nations, eSpOuSed Dy President WI.
son in his addresses since arriving in
France, and the question Of the free
dom Of seas, are to be left open until
after the peace treaty is signed, were
received in Washington with marked
skepticism.
Disposition of these problems, like
others which will figure in the peace
settlement, are most likely to be taken
up at the early sessions Of the con-
ferences. What may happen. it is be-
lieved, is that the general principles Of
these questions will be passed upon at
tho conferences, and that the applica-
ton of them will be left to more ex-
tended consideration.
May Require Years Time.
If a league of nations is agreed
upon. some officials think. working
out a plan which will fulfill the pur-
pose of such league may require
year or more. A hasty league forma-
ton. it is considered, might be worse
than none at all. If Premier Clemen-
ceau or other allied statesmen have
made any suggestions at all to Presi-
dent Wilson regarding the league,
they are believed to be along this line.
Administration officials here believe
the reception accorded President viii
son in France to be significant of the
popular support-in France, at least
of the principles of a peace settle
ment enunciated by President Wilson
both here and after his arrival in
France. 1t is the belief, both among
Americans and allied diplomatic repre-
sentatives, that the league OF nations
idea is gaining strength
Means Of Averting Anarchy.
For one thing, there is a growing
fear-expressed in British and French
papers-that only through such an in
strumentality can the danger Of
anarchy in Germany, Austria and Rus
STA be stayed. Once let loose. the
anarchistic forces now brewing in the
central powers, it is feared, would
spread throughout all Europe
Again, the question of the freedom
of the seas now is regarded as being
corollary to the formation OF a
league of nations. For self-protec-
ton. it is pointed out, European pow
a program curtailing their naval
strength or their right to conscript
armies, unless some plan is worked
out by which joint national effort may
be thrown against any nation which
should again seek. as Germany did,
employment of military force.
viscount Grey Quoted.
In this connection a recent address
of Viscount Grey, former foreign sec
he said that the freedom of the seas
would be settled by the formation of
a league of nations, was cited. Much
of the discussion on points involved
in peace conferences has been brought
about by the approaching elections in
England. Such discussions would be |
taking place here or in France were
either country in the midst OF an |
election.
As evidence of the growing strength |
of the plan for league OF nations, 1t
was noted that Theodore Roosevelt,
within the past month. has fallen in
line with William Howard Taft In in
dorsing the idea. Col Roosevelt,
however, would not include the
A principal difference of opinion is
whether the league should include
Germany. Reasons advanced by those
who would have Germany in the
league hinge about the necessity OF
bringing about a stable and RESPONSE
BILE government in that country which
would check the anarchy which
threatens to develop there.
Senator Hiram JohnSon'S queStlonS
in the Senate recently regarding the
attitude of the United States toward
Russia have been much discussed
about Washington, but no statement
about the matter has been made at
the State Department.
Reasons for Occupying Archaneel.
It is known that the occupation of
Archangel is regarded by the govern
ment here as purely military meas
ure. Replacement Of German troops
by allied troops as the former evacu-
ate Russia also was a military meas
ure. it was held dictated not from the
allied capitals. but by the war coun-
Gil at Versailles.
1t was pointed out that tho neces-
sity of keeping order and of protect
ing the orderly element in Russia has
been clearly indicated in recent weeks
by the bolsheviki depredations. There
is no sign of the abatement Of the
bolshevik excuses, and the res
toration of order in Russia is consid-
cred one Of the most important ques-
lions awaiting settlement at the peace
conference.
HAIG EXTENDS FAREWELL
TO WAR CORRESPONDENTS