Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-12-17
WILSON NEEDING
VIEWSOF ALLIES
Not Pressing Own Ideas of
Terms, but Seeking Those
of Cobelligerents
UNDECIDED ON BOYCOTT
Likely to Modify League Of
Nations Scheme in Pre-
liminary Organization
By RICHARD v. OULAHAN
Special Cable to Evening Public Ledger

Special Cable to Evening Public Ledger
COPYRIGHT, 1918, ov Nc,o York Times Co.
Paris, Dec. II.
The President has been in Paris
since Saturday without indicating in
any authoritative way the attitude he
will assume in dealing with the Allied
representatives on the problems re-
lating to the negotiation of the peace
treaty
1t is becoming apparent, however,
from what is said by those in a posi-.
h tion to know his mind, that he has not
come to France with a hard.and.fast
formula for the adjustment of these
problems. On the contrary, his notion
appears to be that no single nation
will be able to determine what is best
to insure future world peace.
It Is no secret that fear has existed
In Europe, and to some extent In
America, that the President had for
rnulated views which would not admit
OF compromise.
Quite the opposite seems to be true
and there is reason to believe that the
representatives of the Allied Govern
ments will find him ready to under.
stand and appreciate the considera
tions brought forward by them, which
seemingly conflict with the popular
conceptions Of American governmental
aspirations.
Wants Frank Exchange Of Views
The President has come to Paris,
according to reliable information. with
the purpose of having a frank ex.
change of views with the Allied pleni.
potentiaries-this exchange to be pre-.
liminary to any actual determination
OF the American program.
For example-and this cannot be too
strongly emphasized--he is not infiex.
ible in his views as to the organ anization
Of the league of nations for the pres
ervation of peace. His heart is set on
the league project but it is understood
that he is impressed by the fact that,
with a divergence of opinion among
the associated nations on this subject,
Il may be impossible to effect an agree
ment which will go to the extent that
some hope for it-ex.President Taft,
for example.
In this spirit of accommoda ton the
President may be expected to take the
position that the league at the outset
should be LOOSELY formed-that is, not
bound by terms which pledge its men,
bers to use armed force to discipline
other members which violate the prin-
ciples of the league.
He is expected to be willing to con-
cede that It Is not feasible-certainly
at this time-to organize the league
as world government, with executive
heads and judicial tribunals with
power to determine what the member
nations shall do to obviate war in the
event of serious disputes between
them.
1t is understood that the views of
the President do not contemplate
what would amount to an offensive
and defensive alliance. 1t Is felt by
the American delegation that the
American people would hardly approve
such arrangement and that the Amerl-
can Senate would decline to ratify
treaty of that character.
~ If is obvious that differences will de-
yelop over important points of adjust
ment. Each nation involved has differ
ant views on certain subjects But there
seems to be a cordial desire on all sides
for the continuance of close relations
between the Allies in spite of the rumors
referred to.
IT is inconceivable that the American
delegates will not take issue with any
effort to turn the conference into an
other Congress of Vienna, with the OBJ
iect of dividing up Europe to gratify
selfish desires not in accord with the
rights of the peoples involved. Mr. Will
son on frequent occasions has shown
that he was opposed to this mode of set
flement 1t is understood, however, that
the President and his associates are In
agreement with Senator Lodge in the
4 greater number of the twenty-one prin-
ciples suggested for a peace settlement.
More detailed information is desired
here before the American delegation can
say Just how far they are willing to ac-
+ cept the principles stated by him which
seem to conflict with the Views of the
delegation.
Paris evidently has mistaken idea
that the twenty-one principles, so called,
were Senator Lodges own suggestions
whereas they were only presented by
him to the Senate lasteweek as the Ideas
Of the national committee of patriotic
societies.
No Set Program Drafted
One gathers since the arrival of the
presidential party that a set program
for the formation of league of nations
has not been drafted by the American
Z delegation. The members of that dele
cation. including the President. desire
TO hear the ideas OF the Allied repre-
sentatives on the subject before reaching
determination on the course of the
United States,
The matter of arrangements for the
employment of an economic boycott to
discipline offending members Of the
league is a case in point. The President
< and his American associates are be-
Heved not to have made up their minds
as to the feasibility of such preventive
I means and to be more than willing to
discuss the question freely with the rep
resentatives of the Allies.
It may be taken for granted that he
expects to meet the heads of the Allied
peace delegates in the friendliest spirit
Taken all in all, his position. when set
Z forth. Is likely to create favorable I'm.
Z PRECISION and justify hope for the con-
tinuance Of close relationship between
Z the Allied nations which will work for
permanent peace.
Paris Appreciates U. 8. I'm War
<. The people of Paris are evidently
T. determined to leave nothing undont
to show their appreciation Of Amer
ica's effort in the war and Wilson's
personal part in it. Yesterday ths
spectacle was virtually a repetition o.
Saturdays great demonstration in hi,
honor.
considerable curiosity was showr
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