The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-03-03

LODGEAND KNOX
GIVEPARIS HOPE
French Find Speeches. sympa-
.thetic in a Way and Security
Demands May sHffen.
SPECULATION rs AROUSED
Wilson's Probable Course as to
Revising Covenant Is Sub
ject Of Comment.
SPECULATION rs AROUSED
~ LAURENCE HILLS.
stor Correspondent o, TINE SUE

stoU Correspondent Of TINE SUE.
COPYRIGHT, 1919; all rights reserred.
PARIs. March 2-The speeches Of
Senators Lodge and Knox, which have
been printed here in part, have excited
much interest; they are generally ac-
cepted AZ defining the Republican posi-
ton regarding the League Of Nations.
about which there has been much un-
certainty In conference circles.
There Is much speculation now as to
whether the President on his return
here will suggest any alterations in the
text OF the covenant to meet the views
Of his political opponents, or will press
for it's immediate adoption at q plenary
session Of the Peace Congress in order
that the covenant may be ready by the
time that the German representatives
are summoned TO sign the military
terms
Tho Presidents closest advisers here
evidently are unaware of his plans and
refuse now to make any predictions as
to Just where the league will come in
ths programme. Apparently this will
not be decided until the President con-
fers. with Lord Robert Cecil. Gen. Jan
smuts and other. collaborators. going
over with them objections that have
been made.
May stiRen Frances Demands.
Senator Lodges speech Is likely to
stifYen the demand of the French for
sreater security in the form OF interna-
tional force, the French detecting a SYM
pathetic note in his description Of their
situation But while the Ersnch vel
come ,this nots there u no concealment
Of their concern over the suggestion that
America might better pcrnaps keep out
OF European affairs.
IN view Of the French desire to retain
America as a partner TO share in the
burdens and responsibilities Of Europe
with the other nations, she probably
would consent to any changes that
would make certain the ratification OF
the league coveaant. even TO the extent
OF a reservation upon the Monroe Doc
trine.
In American circles. however. where
Senator Lodge Is we'll known and his
speech much discussed, comment Is 70
the effect that reservation Of the
Monroe Dostrine would be absolutely
impossible, FIRST because of tho indeh-
niteness of the doctrine and second ne
cause It would open the door for similar
reservations by Japan and other ma
tions, which would nullify the league.
Problem Bames Experts.
The President. II is known, put up to
experts here early in the discussion
whether the Monroe Doctrine could be
specifically mentioned as q reservation.
similar to the Hague Convention. but the
problem apparently was too much for the
experts.
Other points raised by Senator Lodge
have many sympathizers here. as II Is
recognized in diplomatic circles that
many OF the clauses are susceptible OF
several different interpretations. The
attention which the Republican criticism
Is getting here may crystalline into a
demand at least for clearer wording.
A crisis has arisen in the problem OF
feeding Germany. France now natly re-
fusing to allow the German quick as
sets to be used for that purpose, insist
ing that these must be held solely for
reparation claims. She suggests that
America should advance the money. TAX
ing German notes, which would he a
lien after all reparation claims The
food in Germany will be exhausted by
April. hence tho situation II serious. It
will be discussed at the armistice meet
ing at Spa on Tuesday.