New-York tribune., 1919-01-21
Public Wants Wilson's View
of Claim for Control of
Rhine Banks by Allies
Russian Problem to Fore
English Writer Says Russia
Will Be Denied Place at
Conference by Delegates
New York Tribune
Special Cable Servlce

most significant advance in the peace
negotiations. His speech stands out in
Importance above the mere spectacular
opening Of the peace congress and all
: minor discussions now taking place. 1t
ranks beside the famous declaration of
Arthur Balfour in England that the
German colonies must not be returned
to Germany
"The Rhine is the guarantee Of peace
for all the nations who have shed their
! blood in the cause of liberty. Then let
US watch on the Rhine
Significance Is Noted.
1t is Of much significance that
France should have chosen her great
military chief to make publicly this
declaration, from which may be gath
cred one angle Of Frances peace pro-
gramme.
Marshal Foch declared that France
desires to have mandate from the
peace conference to safeguard along
the Rhine the interests of mankind.
This demand has been, or 10 doubt will
be, formally made by France at the
conference in Paris.
The public so far has received no of
fetal statement regarding President
Wilson's reply to such an offer.
Among the interesting opinions on
the peace conference is the following
from the Paris edition Of "The Daily
Mail" by one of its conference CORE
spcndents:
"For this great general assembly
there are three subjects of pressing
importance which must be settled be-
fore peace is declared. They are the
Russian situation, the bill for territory
and indemnities to be presented to the
enemy, and measures for the economic
reconstruction of Germany.
"Memoranda which have been pre-
sented by the British and American
governments agree in effect that it is
better to secure a formal declaration
Of peace and proceed with the demob-
lization of the armies before pro-
ceeding with the discussion of such
intricate subjects as the ALLEGATION of
conquered territories. the leagueN of
nations and the abolition Of conscrip-
tion, which can be very we'll allocated
for discussion by committees prior to
formal decision by the conference
Americans Favor League Action
"The Americans, however, make a
reservation to the effect that as it is
probable that difficulties will arise as
to the final retention Of conquered
lands, especially along the Adriatic
coast, consideration of the problems
connected with the league of nations
must be pushed forward in order that,
the authority of such a league may be
given to any majority decision Of the
conference to which any individual
power may dissent.
"With regard to the three problems
outlined above the five great powers
Great Britain. France, the United
States. Italy and Japan-have agreed
in effect that representation by any
Russian element is at the moment i'm
possible. This decision causes much
disappointment to the Russians who,
like Prince Lvoff, are in Paris ready
to take an active part in the discus
sions. But Lloyd George agrees with
Gicmenceau that at the moment, if any
representation were given to any of
the old elements of the Russian gov
eminent, the Bolsheviki would declare
that the European powers were there
by supporting the old monarchical
regime. and would gain additional
strength for their revolutionary doc
trine.
Russian Problem Bobs Up
"There remains the question of AL
lied intervention in Russia which is
the most difficult question before the
conference. All the great powers arc
said to be against active Intervention
by their armies in Russian affairs. but
differences arise as to the extent o1
the assistance to be given Polane
against the Boshevik menace.
"The situation changes daily, accord
ing to- the stability of the Polish gov
ernment, but the Poles have declared
are prepared to deal with the Bolshe
+ vik invasion if they have assistanc,
and munitions from the Allies. The,
would be glad to have Allied force.
sent by way of Germany, but do no
feel themselves dependent on the same
"Guns and shells and trained in
structors they must have. however
Happily the whole situation has beer
cased by the undoubted defeat of tn.
Bolsheviki in Germany"
Procedure Outlined
Describing the machinery of the
peace conference for dealing with the
whole series of territorial, financia
and economic questions, the "Matin'
says
"The procedure will be as follows:
"Questions to be considered are first
submitted to the national delegations
Each delegation registers its opinion
by memorandum submitted to the gen
eral secretariat. Then the five grca,
powers-that is to say, the organizers
of the conference-deliberat upon
these memoranda. Either they will
make Immediate decisions or they viii
convene for discussion with themselves
the countries whose interests are
touched upon by each question as il
comes up"
The "Matin' comments
This method may appear at first
deapotic. II is nevertheless certain
that IN ipany cases the claims Of the
small powers will clash and arbtra
tion become necessary. What would
be more normal than arbitration by ar
ensemble of twenty-five delegate.
nominated by the five great powers
which participated in the war? II i,
secn that by this method there will bt
few plenary meetings is to saw
meetings like to-days-when all the
delegates are assembled.
"These plcnary sittings have M
value except when the question IL o.
Fatlfying whole series of decision.
IA trl, t..4.