The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-01

| American press correspondence de-
| patches to suggest that after all II may
be well to treat with the Bolshevili. In
a prolonged debate In the Chamber the
Government policy was again outlined
last night. There will be no further
despatch of troops to Russia and France
will abandon Poland or Rumania and
furnish them with assistance in arms,
funds and supplies Of every kind.
France also expects a declaration of
Alsace-Lorraine economic guarantees
against the possibility of Germany COM
pleting the work of destruction of French
industry wrought In the war. The
French have had some fear lest President
Wilson and Lloyd George. between them
acting on the best intentions In the
world. should seek to persuade France
that allied demands should be "watered
down lest Germany should refuse them"
As regards reparation, vast figures
are mentioned and It In quite certait
that great and justified though tho
French claims be- there will be consid-
cradle disappointment in some quarters
when It IL realized that Justice in this
matter cannot be enforced.
The Council OF Four and the Council
OF Secondary Delegates are still closed
In conference, and there really seems TO
end Is near. Meanwhile number of
more or less subsidiary questions have
been dealt with In the territorial commits
sions. and by the economic council. The
supreme economy council is taking deci-
sions of the greatest Importance as to
future trade relations with Germany
and general trend OF arguments may
be thus summarized
On the one hand II Is argued Ger
many's imports and exports should be
restricted after the armist.ce so as to
insure the Allies shall not suffer from a
shortage OF food or raw material, or
have to pay exaggerated prices for them
on account OF Germany's competition for
the limited supplies available. Restric-
tons are also urged so as to prevent the
manufacturers OF the devastated regions
being kept on short rations as regards
raw materials. and thus Justify the Ger
many policy Of destroying Industrial
areas in the Allied countries.
II Is also pointed out by those In
favor OF restrictions on German imports
OF raw materials that the Allies might
De exposed to unfair compe tition from
herman Industry since many of their
supplies OF raw materials were bought at
war prices. whereas Germany, IL allowed
TO enter the market freely now might
be able to purchase supplies at a much
cheaper rate.
Compensation to BeIetans.
1t is moreover much more likely 10 NE
the Allies rather than the Gerraan manu.
facturers who will take any of the trade
lost by the devastated districts. Might II
not. It is asked, be possible TO give
financial compensation to Belgian manu-
facturers from the reparation funds?
Compensation might be based on proof
OF profits for certain number of years
before the war, ard should have a high
place IN the list for priority. Such ac-
ton would obviously be helped by the
removal OF restrictions on German trade.
since the reparation fund would natural
ly benefit.
In good many places there are signs
of lifting the trade restrictions. under
stand It has been agreed that Esthonia
shall be allowed certain amount of goods.
naturally under guarantees. and the sup
ply shall not be sent to Germany or
Bolshevist Russia. The blockade and
trade restrictions on goods for Poland
are to be abolished, provided always that
there can be some satisfactory system of
control set up at Danxig.
There seems to be a good prospect Of
early resumption OF traff1c along the
Rhine. The Council OF Four seem to
have made up their minds not to stand
further shillyshallying from the Ger
mans over the landing OF Polish troops
at Danzig. and have put the matter into
the hands OF Marshal Foch. The Ger
mans will be compelled TO choose be-
tween a plain yes" or no" There can
be no doubt which it will be- On the other
hand. over the final future of Danzlg
and the banks OF the Vistula the Coun-
eli ~ -Four are stiIl u.st,hlipv