The Washington herald., 1919-02-06
u. S. MUST PLAY
GODFATHER ROLE
TO NEW NATIONS
In Opinion of Diplomats in Paris This Step Is
Necessary If League of Nations Is to Ac-
complish All That Is Intended.
-Bv Enited Pressl


Paris, Feb. THE impression was
growing today that the United States
must assume the role Of godfather
10 many of the sruall countries and
communities. willingly or unwillingly,
II the league of nations is to ac-
complish all that is intended. Not
only have these peoples begun to look
10 America as a protector, but the
Dig powers are showing a disposition
10 regard America as the >one nation
which can exercise a mandatory over
certain territories without engender-
ing international iealousies.
The attitude of the larger rations
in this regard was indicated in the
interview given the United Press yes
terday by Mai Gen. Frederick Maui
rice. former military director of the
British General STAFF. in which he
pointed out that America should fl
nance reconstruction in the minor
countries and provide large navy
10 Cooperate with the British fleet
as an international police force.
Hard Task Before Wilson.
President Wilson appreciates that
one Of his hardest tasks would be
10 convince the American people that
the United States must be willing
10 take a large share Of the respOn-
StOlHty and expense OF aiding small
nations Yet Great Britain. France
and Italy certainly are opposed to
assuming the whole burden. includ-
lnE military and naval expenses. And
the direct appeal OF some Of th, war
stricken communities to the United
states Tor including Ar
m"n'a and COnstantinOpIe-Dut the
question plainly before America as,
10 whether she is ready to suppor-
the Presidents plans for the League
Of Nations
The President is expected 10 out
line the situation fully to the Amer
lean people after his return from
France. probably through an address
TO Congress. and possibly later in
public speeches in various parts Of
the country.
The first difficulties in formation of
the league have been overcome
through general acquiesccncc to its
broad principles. but the real test
~ its success will DE i'm the reports :
Of tho committees which are hand
ling actual formation and applica-
ton Of these principles Despite re-
cent iudIrations that Wilson might
not find il necessary to make 4 sec
Ond trip to Paris. it was learned to-
day that there is possibility he
Will desire to return and see per
sonally that there is no miscarriage
OF his ideas, particularly as regards
the League of Nations
Text Of COmmuniaue.
The following official communique
~as issued on the committees work ::
rFgr.rT
of nations met last evening at the
Hotel Crillou and commenced its
detailed discussions.
a preamble and two articles
were discussed and their texts
were Professionally agreed upon.
Progress was made in regard to
other parts of the draft. The ques-
ton Of adding representatives OF
other powers to the commission
was also discussed The commits
sion will meet again this evening
at $50"
Way Alter stand on FIume.
Though it is well known that
President Wilson is opposed to
granting Italy permanent posses
sion of Fiume. it is believed pos
sibIe that he will modify his stand,
since Italian official opinion as rep
resented by Premier Orlando ap-
pears more and more disposed to
surrender the claim to the DaI-
NATHAN coast to the JugO-Slavs pro-
vided the latter consent to sacrifice
Fiume. which has an Italian popu-
IatIOn.
Italy. it is understood. is ready
To grant shipping facilities to the
JugO-SIavs both in Trieste and
Fiumc. Baron SOnninO, the italian
Foreign Minister. appears to hoIO
steadfastIy to his original claims
hurt it j. becoming daily more likely
that a cOmprOmise will be ultimate
Nv reached.
Permanent Italian occupation of
the Albania port of -NvlOna tVal-
ona) has been practically conceded
While surrendinE DaImatia and the
islands close to the coast. it is like
Iy Italy will retain the outer islands,
thus assuring military security for
its own long Adriatic COastlinC.
Manifestly it Is necessary so make
some concession to Italy when the
Peace Conference asks her to sur
lender the DOdOCanez islands in the
Acgian Sea. which Italy has been
occupying since the war with Tur-
ky