The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-02-25
FRANCE READY
TOPUSH RHINE
PLEA THIS WEEK
League of Nations Called
No Guarantee Against
German Invasion.
WILSON PLAN DOUBTED
Clemenceau Safety First Pol
icy Backs Demand for
River Barrier.
Special Gable DsspoteA 10 Tns Sun.

Special Gable Dsspdfch TO THB Sun.
copyIoht 1913: all rtonts reserved.
PARIS, Feb. 24.-Some time this week
there will come before the Peace Con-
ference the most important, as we'll as
the most delicate of all territorial ad-
tustments, not excepting the rival
claims Of the Italians and Serbians to
Fiume-the future western boundary
OF Germany.
Though this question is three sided.
involving Luxemburg and Belgium as
well as Germany. the real kernel is OF
course the Franco-German frontier
and the future Of the Rhine.
France must state plainly and un-
equivocably this week to the Big Five
just what she wants. 1t will be the
first time the French Government has
lifted the veil upon its exact inten-
tons. There have been unofficial hints
from various sources, many Of which
bore the earTnarks Of fishing" expedi-
tions. In view OF the present state Of
public opinion here the French Gov
determination to take stand that will
insure the future safety Of France.
Claims of French.
French statesmen can argue before tha
conference that the League of. Nations,
because It discards the Bourgeois plan
for an International army, is not a suf-
ficient guarantee for France and that
she must. therefore, seek more tangible
safeguards against future German ag-
gression. These safeguards. they con-
tend. will be afforded only by the trans
formation of the Rhine into great ma
tural moat to protect France.
1t Is all very well. the French say.
for President Wilson to assure them that
IL France Is again attacked the United
States will come again to her rescue. and
for Great Britain to give the same as
surance. They point out, however that
these nations, while willing to advocate
League OF Nations, are unwilling to
equip the league with arms Immediately
available.
At the time Wilson was giving these
assurances here Congress at Washington
the size OF the American Army and
Britain, at the same time, was showing
tendency to return to the contemplate
little army"
Both Anglo-Saxon countries are eager
TO demobilize their laboriously created
wartime armies as soon as possible and
get back to their state OF military un-
preparedness. Therefore, say the French,
H. II. -
Maybe they will help us. but they will
take forever getting ready and in the
meantime We will have TO bear the brunt
OF the fighting and see our men killed by
the hundreds of thousands and our
country ravaged and destroyed"
Alternative Prepared.
OF course. IL President Wilson had put
throush league with teeth in IL. as the
French wanted. the situation would be
different and Frances views on the
Rhine question less decided. It looks
now as II the American delegation will
be confronted with the alte rnative,
Give us an international army or give
us the. Rhine as protection"
Frances case will be greatly helped
by the Clemenceau outrage. as talk
everywhere is that the Premier is
! stronger than eyer with the French
people ana that his policies Will be
stronger with the Peace Conference,
even should the Tiger die or be forced
TO retire. All admit that his spirit would
go marching on.
The essence of his policy is that the
safety Of France is first. with the future
OF France coming second.
Opposition TO the Rhine plea while
the Premier lies dangerously wounded
by the bullet OF an assassin who op-
posed his plan is exceedingly dihicult
especially with the Peace Conference
meeting in Faris II would have tho
| immediate effect OF causing friction with
the French and alternating them still
| further from President Wilson's views.
| The Paris papers are now printing
| full accounts of the Prem!er's progress.
enlivened with anecdotes showing his
unquenchable energy and his eagerness
! to get back TO work. all OF which
| heightens the public sympathy for him,
! At the same time the papers are adopt
ing a more assertive attitude toward the
conference as II desiring to offset the
absence OF the Premier to take advan-
tage of the widespread sympathy for
him.
Caricaeure OF Wilson.
A cartoon In lie Cti de Paris to-day
caricatures President Wilson as Robins
statue OF THE Thinker with the cap
ton. Another false Rodin." This is
symptomatic OF this tendency Of oppo-
sition to those who are standing against
/, French claims.