Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-08-02
The French Defensive Treaty.

D RESIDENT WILSON, in submitting the
1 French treaty to the Senate in answer
to the threat of that body to take an indefi-
mite recess unless the treaty was presented
sent brief message in writing strongly urg-
ing that this pact be ratified along with the
treaty of peace with Germany. He cited the
fact that this measure was only temporary
expedient to remain in effect until the league
of nations should begin to function; that this
country had never discharged its full debt to
France, and that Great Britain had joined in
the negotiation and signing of the document
making it in effect a triple alliance for the
protection of France.
But the President enlightened neither the
country nor the Senate the very impor-
tant reasons which undoubtedly promp pied
him to agree 10 such a proposition He threw
no new light on the motives behind it. He
did not show the necessity for an alliance Of
this sort since the league Of nations is to
provide the same protection guaranteed by
America and Britain. He left so much un-
said in submitting this treaty that it is OBJ
vions that diplomatic considerations re-
strained him and will make it necessary for
him TO communicate the real facts about It
TO Senators privately.
This much the country may take for
granted however: very serious situation
arose during the course of the peace confer
ence. France laid down a series OF demands
laying the foundation for future war with
Germany. 1t may be assumed moreover
that these demands had 60 do with Marshal
Foch's public declaration that the Rhineland
should be held by France in perpetuity and
the open claim OF France TO the unconditional
annexation of the Saar Valley
The French wanted these areas--the rich
est in all Germany--not because of their
wealth, however. but because Of the protec-
ton their possession and fertilization would
afford. 1t was believed by the President and
Premier Lloyd George that these demands
were impossible il peace were to be main
tanned in Europe, and yet some action needed
10 be taken TO give the French the assurance
they pleaded for Of defense against their an
Gent enemy. 1t is not at all unlikely that
the three party defensive alliance is that as
surance and that it was agreed to in order
TO dissuade the French government from
standing for the partitioning Of Germany.
Moreover, there is every reason to believe
mat Premier Cicmenccaus ministry would
have fallen If he had not been able to 20 to
the Chamber Of Deputies with something
that would allay the anxiety OF his country
men. Ii that had come to pass the peace
situation might easily have become chaotic
and il is not unlikely that the conference
itself would have collapsed
IL is OF course, obvious that the President
could not conhdc these facts and circum-
stances TO the Senate in open session The
french would have taken instant offcnse at
! II and a condition Of illfceling created which
| world be most unfortunate. The President
| therefore, was left the alternative OF submit
| thS message without point and with very
! niue substance. and he no doubt homes for
| an opportunity to go more deeply into the
F! whole question with individual Senator'S who
J may not be satisfied with the reasons given
for this treaty.