The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1918-12-14
ny ROBERT J. BENDER.


Copyright 1919. by the United Press.)
PARIS, Dec. 14-President Wilson's
whole effort will be directed at OBJ
tanning Just and lasting peace"
The American delegation to the
peace conference, in carrying out this
principle, stands squarely on these
fundamental contentious:
First-The league of nations must
be part of the treaty in order to in
sure a square deal for all the peoples
concerned. The President, lacking
support of such a league. would feel
that American participation in the ne
gotiations is hardly worth while.
Standardization of the seas must
be one OF the chief principles estab-
>Iished through the league OF nations.
thus making 1t unnecessary for
America to build a navy big enough
to insure her against arbitrary action
by any nation.
Discussion In Open
Third-Just claims against Ger
many for her crimes must be ascer-
tanned. and then the possibilities of
payment and the method OF collec-
ton determined.
Fourth-While the preliminary con-
ferences may be confidential. the final
conclusions should be rendered pub
licly.
Fifth-AII peace delegates should
sit as representatives OF the world.
not as masters OF any nations. Any
other attitude would mean that con-
summation of peace would leave
hatreds which might breed future
wars.
The American conferees are under
stood to favor Germany's inclusion m
the league. but only on probation. un-
til it is proved she can be trusted.
The President will approach the
conference with the utmost frankness
and by such processes as will not in
volve any unnecessary antagonism. 1t
is perfectly clear. however. that for
him the strategic centers of the whole
business are the questions OF the
league OF nations, indemnities. and
freedom OF the seas.
Presidents First Tasks.
The first task of the President will
be to get acquainted with the allied
premiers, lay out the preliminary
lines OF procedure and ATTEMPT to
clear up any points OF difference.
There has been some talk of a pre-
arranged program having been formu-
lated by Premlers Lloyd George, Glenn
enceau. and Orlando at the recent
London conference. but IL is assumed
the Understandings reached there were
only provisional and for the purpose
OF supplying a concrete basis for dis
cussion. 1t is understood. among
other things, they concerned the in
demnity to be eXacted from Germany
The President feels strongly that
Germany must pay for her crimes. but
IL is known he believes that the right
way to coilect-a way that would be
consistent with high principles-is to
determine Just claims, then the method
and possibility Of payment: not to as
certain what Germany has that can
be taken, and then parcel 1t out.
Determined on League.
There are no differences between
the view OF President Wilson and the
allied premiers regarding the wrongs
done by Germany. The only possible
difference is regarding the method
and scale of payment.
II Is known the President is deter
mined an agreement for the establish
ment OF the league OF nations shall be
embodied in the treaty. for the reason
that the treaty would be valueless
were the league left to subsequent
The President is also known to be
convinced there must be a clear defin-
ition OF freedom OF the seas. which
pivots on the league of nations. He
does not intend there shall be any
lawless freedm of the seas. or expos
ure OF any nation to its enemies be-
cause the league could close the seas
for enforcement OF international cove
nantS.
To Clarity Doubts.
Judgment is reserved by some gov
ernments on this question, but the
American delegates expect all doubts
to be clarified through discussion. A
decision also is expected to be reached
reduction and apportion-
nent OF ornaments. both on land and
sea, making 1t UNNECESSARY for Amer
lea to build q vast navy. It u be-