The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-05-23
BIG 4 STUDIES
FATE OF TURKEY
Policy Of Watching and Wait
ing Adopted Toward ,
Germany.
ECON OMIC CONCLUSIONS
Designed to Make Imposition
of Reparation Less 0ner-
Gus to Germans.
(By John Edwin Nevin.)

Paris. May 23.-Q. n. SIT Is
ments," declared President Wilson
today in commenting upon reports
from the German cabinet that the
Teutonic ENJOYS would not sign the
peace treaty.
Other American sources were con-
fident that the economic concessions
and the modification of the repatria-
tions clause were sufficient to insure
the acceptance of the treaty at Ber-
lin.
The changes made in terms are not
basic, it was officially stated today.
They were merely designed to make
the imposition of reparation less on
erous to the Germans.
Count Won Brockdorff- -Rantzau,
head of the German peace delega-
tion, reached Spa today and imme-
diately conferred with responsible
members of the German government.
The action taken there was expected
to determine the final attitude of
Germany.
1t is now openly admitted that the
only reason for Withholding the COM
plete terms as submitted to the Teu-
tonic ENJOYS was to secure the Ger
man viewpoint first.
Turkeys fate is now being consid
cred by the big four. They met to-
day and discussed various angles of
the Turkish situation. The question
has been complicated by the desire
of the British TO meet the wishes of
the Mohammedans in such a way that
VIII not unnecessarily humiliate the
heads of the Mohammedan faith.
Grave Disappointment.
Grave disappointment is expressed in
neutral American circles because of the
seven days time extension given the
Germans for consideration of the treaty
terms; OhtCials who are supporting
President Wilson'S views believe that a
strategic mistake was made.
The predominating influence in this
connection came from the French eco
nonlic experts. who declared that they
are convinced of the necessity of MAX
ing concessions to Germany In order to
tighten the burden economically, thus
the Teutons to nIe-er the rep
aration demands.
r. Whether this promise is Wen grounded
only Premier Clemenceau and Premier
Lloyd George know.
However, it is no secret that the big
four were insistcnt that Germany COM
plete observations within the original
time limit-hfteen days. 1t is realized
that the president, with complete in
formation at his disposal, would not
have consented to an adjournment UNI
less fully convinced it would eventually
result in Germany'S signing.
Other concessions are understood to
be under consideration by the entente
There has been a modification or the !
terms referring TO the Saar valley 10y
which the Germans secure commercial |
tights necessary to a continuation of |
lighting purposes of munici- |
)alities and the like
Germany viii Sign
While great many persons are !
sign, the fact that the allies allowed |
Count Won Brockdorff- Rantzau to bring |
printing apparatus to Versailles indi |
'ates that the Germans are planning to |
suggest some drastic changes in the |
original. In this connection President |
Wilson'S attitude is said to be- He is
Wiling to receive suggestions that will |
improve the treaty, but is unwilling to
considerable notifications. The treaty
demands are based upon Justice and
light"
President Wilson has ordered Charles
:. Crane, of Chicago, and DR. Herlung
# Berlin college, to proceed immedi-
tely to Syria and make an investiga-
ion, regardless of whether the French
anne any commissioners for sucn a
urpose.
The big four have been devotng Ill
ossblc tima to the Austrian problems,
nd it is understood that the economic
xperts have decided that Austria IS
bic to pay indemnity. This is expected
o be made part of the treaty at once.
t is also declared that Austria will be
allied upon to forfeit her shipping
long the lines that the German mer-
hant fleet was disposed OF.
The question of limitation of Austrian
rmaments has also been considered.