Evening star., 1919-02-28
BY FRANK III. sIMoNDs.

PARIS, February 24.-At the moment
when President Wilson is beginning his
explanation in America of the league of
nations, there is single question which
ought to be clearly answered for the
American public. What is it that Eu
rope expects of America as conse-
quence of the formation Of the league
of nations?
The answer to this question must, 1
think. be found first in the view which
obtains both among the French and the.
English as to what this covenant OF the
ieagne OF nations which Mr.. Wilson has
txken back to America actually, is. In
substance, the English and French
views are that the covenant of the
league of nations is a substantial recog-
milton by Europe, by the allies, and pri-
marily by England and France. Of the
ideas and principles which Mr.. Wilson
ca me to Europe to advocate. Much of
the actual text and machinery Of the
present league of nations covenant is
the result of European contribution. but
there would have been little or nothing
of any league of nations covenant il Mr..
Wilson had not come to Europe and
made his consistent and persistent ef
fort
Still a Mere Sketch.
France and England in effect have
Joined with President Wilson in a
draft of the program of the league
of nations, which is still mere
sketch, with the understanding clear
and unmistakable that If they and
their European associates agree to a
new organization of international re-
lations at the demand of America.
expressed by Mr.. Wilson, America
will be prepared on her side to join
with European nations in physician
defense of such association and in the
sharing of expense and the burden of
this new social order. And in sub
stance Mr.. Wilson has obtained his
league of nations covenant in its
present form simply as an evidence
of good faith on the part of both
France and England. who thus sig
nified their readiness to accept the
new ideas and the new principles, but
very clearly expected that Mr.. Wilson
would bring his countrymen to ac-
cept the new responsibilities and
new duties that flow from this league
of nations program.
Now, to put it specifically, what
does England expect America to do as
result of the league of nations?
First of all, beyond any question,
England expects the United States to
accept one or more manufactures to
undertake responsibility for some
such people as the Armenians. and to
contribute all the necessary resources
in men, material and protection to
bring about the organization of this
new Armenian state. In other words.
England expects the United States to
break with it's traditional policy of
isolation and enter world affairs as
partner in the organization and III
the defense of various races which
cannot stand alone. Armenia, in
Asia, and Liberia. in Africa, have
been two most mentioned manda-
tories.
British Attitude.
am satisfied that there will be a
feeling in England that the whole
British policy with respect to the
league of nations has been failure
if the United States shall now, the
fail to take UP the responsibilities
which, to the English mind, are in
herent in Americas advocacy of the
league of nations itself. There VIII
unwilling to make good her brave
words by difficult but necessary
labors.
>.
will organize and maintain an army
available for immediate Transports
ton to France to protect France In
cooperation with the British and
French armies, provided the Germans !
shall refuse to accept the principles
Of the league of nations and present.
ly return to their old methods of
militant imperialism, at this time ex-
pressed by republican rather than
HohenzoIlefn armies.
The whole view of Europe is too
simple. and yet too clear. to be mis-
understood. Mr.. Wilson came to
Europe, representing himself to be
the spok esrnan of America, to demand
that Europe should accept American
ideas of a new International asso- /
citation in which moral rather than ,,
physical force should prevail, and |
the settlement of the last war should
be, had, not on a.1basis of taking ex- \
treme military precautions against |
the enemy. but on the basis of MAX |
ing just peace, eliminating causes |
for the future. |
Europe's Realistic Mood.
Europe. at the end -of-the most con-