New-York tribune., 1919-01-11
Wilson viii
accept Allies
League Plan
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agree to what the Allies deem essential
in anneXations and indemnities. These,
as Premier lloyd George openly prom
sed Great Britain in the recent cleo
tion campaign, will be very large. Any
terms tending toward the destruction
of Germany will not--can not-be
made, because, as one of the foremost
statesmen said to me, that would de-
feat the object of obtaining indemnity.
Germany, however, will not be left in
position or condition to rcarm or
dominate Russia, or to menace the re-
maindcr eli Europe again.
Each Nation Free to Act
independence of each nation within
the proposed league of nations, as out
lined by Lord Robert Cecil seems also
10 meet the approval of President Will
son, who thinks the Senate would dis
approve any impairment OF Americas s
sovereignty.
Regarding police work, President
Wilson is not sure how far America
will go in assuming share in estab-
fishing protectorates over backward
peoples, such as those emerging from
Turkish thralldom. Great Britain is
particularly anxious that the United
States take part in this task, as British
government leaders feel that England
is not far enough removed from the
picions or jealouses that might arise
by her acting alone.
Realizing, however, that America
can be a most stabilizing factor be-
cause of the urquestioned disinterest-
edness of the United States, British
statesmen of known humanitarian
views have approached the American
commissioners with a view of having
them exert their influence to have
America agree to such an enterprise
to safeguard Europe against another
war. In this connection it is inter
essing to recall Lord Robert Cecil's
declaration in London to American
correspondents that another such war
would cause Europe to revert to a
state of barbarism.
Demoralizing Effects Seen
1t is impossible not to see the awful
effects Of the war upon the morality of
Europe, where certain features, which
come repeatedly to every Americans
observation, are almost unprintable.
Nowhere are American troops free
from demcralizing conditions, espe-
clally now that the period of actual
warfare is past and the long, tedious
months of idle encampment in occupied
territory have begun.
Despite the apparent desire Of Presi-
dent Wilson and the other American
commits ssicners to lend American CO.
O. operatf9n pc as well as support to these
afflicted peoples, the President and his
co-workers tear that American public
opinion will oppose departing radically
from traditions in this respect
1T is Mr.. Wilson'S intention to take
to America an agreement based on the
broad general principles as outlined
leaving to the other four delegates
Secretary Lsnsng Colonel House, Gen
eral Bliss and Mi. Wnite-the task of
drafting the peace terms at Paris. He
probably will leave to them also the
problems of indemnities, realignment
: OF frontiers, transfers of colonies and
similar adjustments which promise to
consume the commissioners time for
many months.
Promoting Friendliness
The President is at present concen-
trating his attention upon arousing a
spirit OF friendliness among the peo-
pies Of the Allied nations and obtaining
agreements with Allied statesmen on
the ideas, purposes and ideals of the
proposed league.
just as President Wilson was sur
prlsed by the support he found every
where he has been in Europe, upon
which he has frequently remarked,
europeans in turn were surprised by
ms show of appreciation and sympathy
Tor their interests and aspirations.
:, 1T IS impossible to deny the fact that
| the President has awakened among the
Allied peoples desire for new inter
national fellowship, and that all peo-
pies look to him for justice.
Before leaving Rome Mr.. Wilson let
1T be known that he does not desire to
VISIT the devastated region of France,
but may comply with French and Bel
gian public opinion, in as much as
many persons consider the President
not sufficiently impressed by the ruin
inflicted by the German army In it's
four years occupancy of Northeastern
France and Belgium. Mr.. Wilson be-
lieves, it may be said, that the peace
terms should be drafted without dis
play of heated temper.