The Washington herald., 1919-02-03
French Are Disturbed
By League Decision
On Turkish Problem
Saint Brice Declares That If Ottoman Rule
Disappears Serious international Ques-
ton Inevitably Will Arise.

colonial domain. Only a few insid-
ers. perhaps, had been asking why
Marquis Salvage Raggi. tho Italian
Eastern expert, participated in the
deliberations when Italy did not
hold a single portion of the German
spoils.
Some. perhaps, also were mysti-
fed by the evolution of Lloyd
George. Why had the British Prem
ier so easily abandoned the theory
of a division of the German colon
les, which project the British domin-
ions were supporting enCrgcuCally?
Decisions Far-Reacbing.
The communique of January 80 un-
dertook to explain the mystery. In the
course of a session lasting less than
three hours a committee Of ten decid-
ed that henCeforth the occupation
should be exercised under a mandate
from the Society of Nations. Not
only all the German colonies. but also
the territories of AsiatiC Turkey were
to come under this scheme of ocCupa-
tion.
1t is futile to say that the measure is
provisional. 1t constitutes a decision
of the farthest reaching effect A
pTlltlDlt Ol lllGl lldllOlldl SON llS
has been cstablis he'd. involving con-
sequences both immediate and pcrma-
nent.
In the colonies the consequences arc
characterized by a precariOusness the
gravity of which the precedent Of
Egypt demonstrates sufficiently. It is
difficult to say NOR. until the rights
of the prospective lcSsors and lessccs
have been SUCCifiCd
Let US direct attention only TO Ger
tain rumOrs, according TO which the
principle of commercial free dom Will
be Inscribed at the head of future char
ters. II Is an excellent principle for
nations possessing great force Of
, economic expansion and a merchant
marine. France has neither But she
has many wounds to heal.
Rulings On Orient Striking.
Immediate consequences Of decisions
of the conference are sun more strik-
ing I'm the Orient. Ottoman sUver-
eighty receives a mortal blow. On
the other hand. recognition Of tho
sovereiEnty-evCn purely theoretical
OF the Society OF Nations implies alb
roSation of all agreements based upon
the ancient principles Of sovcr,iEuty.
between Britain. RUSSIA and France
at the beginning Of 1GI and in March,
1916, anticipating IL future Eastern al
ranGemcnt. have OCcaSioncd some
sharp but perfectly justified crIti-
cisms
Cutting up OF Syria, deprived Of tho
two principal ports of AlcNandrettsa
and Ha't4. creation Of vast Arar
federation extending from Alden to
Damascus, and division of Armenia
were schemes subject to moro than
discussion. Revision was and is nee
cssary, but tn" suppression, pure and
simple, of tho only existing territorial
titles is another thin- Here We en-
ter into an unknown sphere.
Means Much to France.
The above facts are disturbing
enough if only uncertainties are cor
sidered. But unfortunately We have
Eraver reasons for anxiety. VIC SEQ
what happens at ConStantlnoplc. We
cannot ignore the fact that if T-IrkrN,
disappears the question of tho CaEnn-
ate must arise. Upon whom falls the
prophets religious Inheritance If not
to the pOssessor of the sacred PLACES
which means the King of HediaZ.
! England's prOtcEc? Is it understood
what that means to France, which has
more than 100000 Musselnan sub
jects? We Will not mention the risks
involved in an international regime Of
a country where international rival
I ries have their deepest roots We do
assert, however, that if it he truly
decided to finish the Sick Man" it
will be regretted.