Evening journal., 1919-02-13
FRENCH FAVOR
INTERNATIONAL
POLICE FORCE
CONTINUED from PAGE one. J


they wished the army to be stationed
In France as a guarantee against future
aggression by any nation, in the belief
that France constitutes the strategic
center TO Europe. Previous Introduction
OF this plan tentative agreement had
been reached that no such force should
/ &c formed ANA that the leagues deci-
sions should enforced by moral suasion
and moral pressure.
There was the widest speculation to-
day as TO the basis Of the report cir
culated in certain French circles late
yesterday that the Americans and Bit
ish had agreed to the plan for such an
international peace force. II can be
stated on the highest authority thai
the report is unfounded
Another report said that France had
modified its original plan in favor OF
military board which would direct any
necessary martial operations by the
! league. This board which would re-
place the proposed international army
I and navy, would keep in touch with
political developments and draw upon
the nearest available troops or fleet %
throw protective screen about the
threatened nation.
The President devoted most OF his
time TO official business today. In ad-
dition 10 presiding at the league com
mitee meeting he was to receive a sps-t
cial representative from the Belgian
government and formally express his
regret that he would be unable 20 VISIT, ,
Belgium this trip with the hope that
ne could do so on his next European
journey.
Whispering propaganda" with
winch Americans became famflia- dur
ing the war, was believed today 90 bep
responsible for The changed attitude
toward the American delegates here.
lhe suspicion was growing that Ger,
man agents are sowing the seeds which
produce the wild rumo-s in circula-
ton and create a false impression OF
president Wilson's attitude. There
nave been several significant develop,
ments in this connection.
When the President first arrived In
France, the people received him with
great enthusiast and exhibited the
warmest frlendliness. Recently. the
word was passed around the streetS
IN the cafes and subway trains. fhai
wilson Is too friendly toward Germany
and does not appreciate Frances sac.
rlilces. Insinuating articles Of similar
import began to appear in the French
press indicating that the seed Of propa-p
ganda was bearing fruit. Simultau-
eously, onlclal announcements were
made in Berlin and Vienna that 1--WE
want Wilson peace" indicating that
the Germans knew the progress OF the !
rumors and saw the opportunity to in
crease the impression that the presi-
dent was friendly to them. The Lon
don Mail warned editorially, against the
danger Of the Berlin and Vienna an
nouncements being misinterpreted. i,
Next followed a whisper widely cir
culated in quarters that would insure
its rapid spread that Allied demobilizs-
tion had been halted. This report was
nailed officially.
Then the rumor spread that President !,
Wilson was trying 10 modify the arm
istice terms in favor OF Germany. Co
incidentally, Matthias Erzberger, chair !.
man Of the German armlstice commits
sion, announced he would not sign a
renewal OF the armistice il the Allies i,
made further demands.
Now pro uganda is being directed
through the mail to American peace ,
President, charging over-friendliness
toward Germany. These letters are }
signed with French names.
The whole series OF events is Ike
The whispering propaganda" in Amer
lea when some prominent official was
as a spy or an entire American
army wiped out nearly every day. Many
thoughtful persons believe the change
IN the French attitude and spirit can be
attributed 10 German agencies, and IL
S likely that a strong effort will be
made to clear up the atmosphere gen
srally before Wilson's departure for
he United States.
President Wilson, in his address 10
members Of the French Association for
/ Society Of Nations, at the Murat Pal
ice, indicated he was convinced that
work on the league Of nations viii not
)e completed before his return TO the
United States.
Il am confident that after my return
o France we will celebrate its compile
ion at least in its advanced stage" he
aid.
II win cooperate heartily in your
,lans after my return" the President
"The address was made last
light"