The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-01-23
Action Coming.

It is certain that some affirmative
action of the peace conference will be
announced soon, wherein the Omitted
States may be able to participate. In
view of the opposition of the Americans
to what may be construed as armed in
prevention, 1t seems likely that a dip
lomatic move is in prospect looking
toward a composition of the differences
existing and the possible recession of
delegates representing de facto au-
thority In each region of Russia.
While President Wilson and his assoc
Ctates are listening to the r~ecitals of
tlrSt hand observers of Russian con-
ditions, a special committee represent
ing each peace delegation is working
on the league of nations plan. Again
participants report progress and assur-
ances that they will nave a declara-
ton of principles ready before Mr.. Will
son leaves.
While the territorial questions are
not formally on the calendar. campaigns
for the respective claims continue be-
meath The surface. Several American
correspondents who ave Just returned
from Italy report that public opinion
there is insistent that Fiume be given
to the Italians, though they are ready
to agree to the Observation-Disclosures OF
the port and give up the Dalmatian
coast.
The recent interview given by Mar
shal Foch as to the military Importance
of the provinces on the left bank of
the Rhine has caused much comment
and discussion. The civilian authori-
ties insist his views must he consid-
cred apart from the political aspect and
purely from a military idea. Some of
the French officials claim the reten-
ton of those of provinces necessary in
order to prevent any sudden invasion
by Germany in the future.
SRhnnonc fnt. t6a pn,,trn 1;Bntfn,, 90 tl,i.
territory have been suggested, even to
the extent of preventing the inhabitants
from being incorporated in the German
military system. 1t Is also argued that
the Rhine should be neutralized in order
to enable residents of Alsace-Lorraine
to have access to the sea without going
through unfriendly German territory.
The truth is, those who believe the re-
tention of the left provinces Of the
Rhine unnecessary point out that the
development of airplanes with aerial
torpedoes removes advantages Of the
s~o-called strategic frontier.
In fairness to the French It must be
said that france has presented no for
NAL claim as yet and the French point
Of view is uncrystallized thus far among
her officials. 1t Is certain that they
will give serious consideration to the
passable misunderstanding which might
arise from such a claim unless CON
Nlhclhe evidence IS eXhlhlted OF the
necessity for military reasons
On the other hand, II the league of
nations is going to guarantee the Sc
curity of France by economic advan-
tages of France over Germany by keep
ing the latter's position in military and
naval impotence, the necessity for more
territory would disappear.
Prominent French officials tell me
France IL interested only In her Sc
curitv and is as anxious as anv other
nation to reduce burdens involved in
keeOing large ornaments. so as to
enable her peonle to return to neaco-
full nursuits. The kew to the territorial
questions appears. therefore. in the
kind of guaranteed security that ie oh
tainable under the society OF nations.
Copyright, 1919. nv the New York Eve
ming Post, InC.1