The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1919-07-29
5 FRANC0-U. s.
CONTINUED from Page one)

lection to France against aggression
from her recent enemy on the east;
but the years Immediately ahead OF
us contain many incalculable posi-
bilities. The covenant of the league
of nations provides for military action
Tor the protection of Its members only
upon ADVICE of the council OF the
league-advice given it Is to be pre-
sumed, only upon elaboration and act
ed upon by each of the governments Of
the member states only If its own
judgment justifies such action. The
object of the special treaty with
France which I now submit to you is
to provide for immediate military as
sistance to France by the United
States in case of any unprovoked
movement of aggression against her by
Germany without waiting for the ad'
vice of the council of the league OF
nations that such action will be taken.
II Is to be an arrangement, not indie
I endent of the league of nations, but
under it.
1t is therefore, expressly provided
that this treaty shall be made the
subject of consideration at the same
time with the treaty of peace with
Germany; that this special arrange
ment shall receive the approval of the
council of the league; and that this
special provision for the safety OF
! France shall remain in force only I'm.
til, upon the application of one of the
parties to 1t, the council of the league
acting, if necessary, by majority
vote, shall agree that the provisions
Of the covenant Of the league afford
her sufficient protection.
Bound to France.
I was moved to sign this treaty by
considerations which will. hope. soor
be as persuasive and as irresistible te
you as they seemed to me. We are
bound to France by ties Of friendship
which we have always regarded and
shall always regard, as peculiarly sac
red. She assisted us to win our free
dom as a nation. 1t is seriouly to be
doubted whether we could have wor
It without her gallant and timely aid
We have recently had the privilege Of
assisting In driving enemies, who were
also eaemies Of the world, from hel
SOIL but that doese not pay our deb
to her. Nothing can pay such 4 debt
She now desires that we should prom
Use to lend our great force to keel
her safe against the power she ha.
had most reason to fear. Anothe
great nation volunteers the same prom
Use. 1t is one of the fine reversals o
history that that other nation shoult
be the very power from whom Franc,
fought to set us free. A new day ha
dawned Old antagonisms are forgot
ten. The common cause of freedom an
enlightenment has created new com
radeships and a new perception o
what it is wise and necessary TO
great nations to do to free the worl,
of intolerable fear. Two government
who wish to be members of the leagu
J of nations ask leave of the council O
the league to be permitted to go to tn
assistance Of friend whose situation
has been found to be one Of peculia
peril, without awaiting the advice O
the league to act.
1t is by taking such pledges as thi
that we prove ourselves faithful to tn
utmost to the high obligations {
gratitude and tested friendship. Sue
an act as this seems to me one of tn
proofs that we are people that see
the true heart of duty and prefer
honor to its own separate course {
peace.
WOODROW WILSON.
The White House,
90 July. 1919.