Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1919-02-02
PEACE MAKING
MACHINE NOW
RUNS SMOOTHLY
General Conference Called to
Consider Only Projects
on Which Unanimity
Is Assured.
By SAINT BRIcE
Foreign Editor Of lie Journal. Paris
written Expressly for Universal

AWAAtAGn Expressly. A0t QHANEESdl
Service.)
Paris. Jan. 31.-The working
methods of the peace conference al
first glance are rather disconcert-
ing; the early communiques gave
the impression of a strange con-
fusing and the mixing Of the most
unrelated subjects. Allowance is
necessary and inevitable for the pre-
liminary groupings, especially con-
sidering such a complicated mechan.
ism. Now the adjustments are fin
ished and the machine begins turn
ing. Here is how it acts:
The final settlement for all ques-
tons is referred to the full sessions
Before reading this conclusion each
problem is studied thoroughly. AS
far as possible the general assembly
is called to consider only projects
which are assured of unanimity. II
disagreements subsist it is necessary
to state conflicting opinions with abb
solute clearness. which indicates the
capital Importance of the prelimin-
airy discussions.
Great Colonial Problem.
The colonial problem leads, which
surprises many, who expected to see
the delegates attack directly the
most contested subjects. Dipiom-
acy works otherwise. preferrinp
thanking movements to frontal at
lacks and proceeds from the simple
to the complicated. Considering the
early discussion, colonial liquida-
ton appears logical. 1t will estab-
lish the principles, which will form
the basis for all territorial arrange
ments, but this first contact was ef-
fected on the least touchy subjects
where passions are easily subordin-
ated to interests and where compro-
misses are relatively easy.
However. the guide posts, which
are being placed, are essential. The
settlement Of the future disposition
of the German colonies involves the
questions of indemnities and mill
tary claims. 1t is the future status
of the world in embryo.
Ffankness First Requisite.
Let us explain without ambiguity
the French viewpoint. Frankness is
the first requisite of every agree
ment. We Frenchmen are absolute
" with the English and undoubted-
III with all the allies and associates
in considering as out of the ques-
ton the return to the Germans of
their possessions across the sea. 1t
is possible to invoke against such
restitution numerous arguments.
Some make much Of the bad treat
ment inflicted by the Germans on
the natives. Others are pre- ccu-
pied partially with the military CON
alterations and possibilities of mill
tary reaction. Such arguments lead
only to discussion. / believe my
self that we should not start policies
except as a last resort.
Here we have two irrefutable ar
guments: First, that the Germans
owe us immense sums and they
should employ every means to pay
their debts. Disposing of the col
onies is by far the easiest means.
Secondly. Germany has no reason
10 demand territories unsuitable for
direct colonization. The necessity
to find safety valve for the excess
population might excuse certain
measure of expansion in politics be-
fore the war, but now Germany
needs its children and does not need
the tropical colonies, which are not
even outlets.
Hence the colonies will not be
restored to Germany. What should
be done with them?
Face Two Theories.
Here we face two theories. The
first favors partition among the con-
uuerors according to geographical
location, aptitudes and military re-
auirements. The second theory at
tributes the inheritance to the So
siety of nations.
Perhaps we shall see arise an in
termediary arrangement, leaving the
proprietary titles to the nations col
Ieetively and the profits to the most
Interested.
Decidedly French opinion re-
pudiates every arrangement for col
leetive management. Past expert
enee affords warning. The Congo
Free State created bases which some
recommended as wholly new ex-
perience. The expeIment was made
and totally failed Let US not in
flict the nations with the grievous
start of another failure.
1t is risky enough to give it the
honorary ownership of domains
from which others would draw the
nwo6ts We ynust begin carefully