The Washington times., 1919-11-24
WILL ASK FRANCE
TO RETURN DEAD
American Embassy to Urge U.
S. Heroes Be Removed to
Native Soil.

The American Embassy at Paris has
been instructed to use every effort to
induce the French government to per
NIT at as early date as possible the
return to this country of the Ameri-
can dead.
France has already agreed to per
NIT the return to the United States
of the dead soldiers who are buried
outside of the war zones.
Reasons For Request.
The reasons which should secure
compliance by the Fenrch govern
ment as given here officially today
are these:
First-The great distance between
France and America and the expense
involved together make it imprac-
ticable for the large majority of rela-
tives to visit graves as is easily
possible for those who live in the
other allied countries.
Second-The comparatively small
number of American soldiers buried in
France whose removal il desired by
their next of kin. 1t is stated by the
War Department that Of 4.500 900 SOL
der dead only $4,000 are American
soldiers, and OF these the next of
kin do not desire in excess of 10000
returned to America.
Third-A large proportion of Amer
lean dead are buried on or near bat.
tiefields and arrangements can prob
ably be made to avoid transportation
over any considerable proportion OF
France, thus avoiding any great in
reference with traffic or a depression
in morale which seems to be the prin-
cipal reason for the French govern
ment's opposition.
Fourth-This Government has ap-
preached the other countries regard
ing the return Of bodies from those
countries in number about 1900. 1t is
pointed out that such return will
necessarily create toward France an
unfavorabie impression because of the
persistent refusal Of the French gov
ernment to allow similar action. The
War Department. Influenced by the
agreement with the French govern.
ment. referred to above, sent out in
quiries to all next Of kin to ascertain
IL return was desired. 1t would now
be very embarrassing to the War De-
| partment IL IL were compelled to in
form relatives that France refuses
to permit the return of bodies
such information arousing resentment
against France Of relatives of Amer
leans who gave their lives in defense
| Of France"
Msaify Regulations.
The embassy at Paris. therefore, Ii
urged to have the French governme nj
"rescind or modify its regulations
which are merely ministerial so that
the dead may be brought home.
The situation the United States haa
| to deal with II that after the armistice
France issued orders 'forbidding the
removal from French soil Of the bod.
les of the dead, of all nations" The
United States Government immedi.
stely made representations through
diplomatic Channels "of the desire OF
the American Government that excep-
| tion be made in its favor from the
operation Of the prohibition" France
replied that it desired to meet the
wishes Of the United States, but gave
many reasons why 1t could not COM
ply, having laid stress on its plan to
set apart various cemeteries as q ser
vice of gratitude and to assist in their
maintenance with becoming dignity.
The question has been argued for
some time, but 1t appearing that no
progress was being made, the Gov
ernment has asked France for a re-
versal of her orders, so far as the
United States is concerned and makes
public its arguments as above recited.