The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-06-11
POLITICS HOLDS
UP DECISION ON
NAMING TERMS
Lloyd George and Clemen-
ceau Fear Overthrow if
Truth Is Made Known.
EXPERTS AT VARIANCE
Americans Favor $3O,O00,OO0-
600 Cash, Much Eess Than
Others Expected.

BY a stor Correspondent Of THE sus.
Copyright. 1919: all riohts reserved.
PARIS. June 10.-French and Brit
ish politics continue to surcharge the
atmosphere In which the Council of
Three Is meeting, In an effort to reach
an agreement in regard to the answer
to Germany. The situation is even
more tense than 1t was over the oues-
ton Of German reparations, which re-
suited in a deadlock of two months.
Every days delay, 1t is admitted, is
giving the Germans more encourage
ment. Already the German news
papers are giving credit to Max War
burg for that part of the German
protest which resulted In precipitat-
ing this situation among the chiefs
Of the Allies. With the whole situa-
tion turning upon that part of the
answer relating to reparations. 1t
would seem that others than the Ger
mans have been found wanting in
clever diplomacy and accurate knowl-
edge Of sentiment throughout the
financial world, that sentiment being
based on the commonest rule of
finance that you should not lend
money until you know the borrowers
liabilities.
Vital Changes Suggested.
As has been pointed out already
in these dispatches this is the crux
Of the whole situation. Summarized
as it exists at the present moment It
may be stated as follows:
The American. British and
French experts now have sub
mitted their recommendations re-
garding changes in the most vital
part OF the treaty. that relating to
reparations and economics. These
recommendations are now before
President Wilson and Premiers
Clemenceau and Lloyd George;
Premier Orlando virtually is out of
Nhc ul5Su6rlOlI, dS ne IS not
ested except in Italy's territorial
claims.
3 All these expert reports differ
because the experts reflect the
views OF their respective chiefs and
could not agree. The French do
not want any change in the pres
ent reparation plans. The British
favor some change, but are uncer-
tain as to just what II should be.
The American expert report takes
the strongest stand in favor OF
fixed total sum, its recommenda-
ton being $30.O00,oo0.ooo.
9 The experts having put in their
reports it is now entirely up to
President Wilson and Premiers
Clemenceau and Lloyd George, the
two Premiers trying to figure out
what would be the best politics for
each to play.
Perhaps a more extraordinary situ-
alton never existed In the history of
the world. So many elements exist
in this political problem that skilful
as they have been in the past neither
OF these two world masters seems
able to determine the consequences
or to decide for or against this change
In the treaty.
Leaders in Fear of Massns.
1t is the masses who consf Jdte tie
unknown and uncertain quaint French
bankers to-day are favorabl 20 a fixed
total and are prepared accept a
fairly low figure. but the : ir Is haunt
ing Premier Clemenceau nd his eco
nomic aid. Capt Andre fardieu, that
to tell the French people that instead
OF hundred or two hundred billions,
reparation will amount to only thirty,
forty or fifty billions, might result in the
immediate overthrow or the French Gov
ernment.
They seem 10 be positive about H. 5.
Therefore they have said to President
Wilson and Premier Lloyd George
(Which do you prefer, to stand on the
present treaty or to have the Clemen-
ceau Government overthrown tomorrow
and to have an entirely new French
Government with which to deal, pro-
tracing the peacemaking possibly f-r
months?" Admittedly II is a hard quo s.
ton.
In American minds the question
turns on whether Clemenceau and
Tardieu are right in their conclusions
regarding the masses, believing that II
is open to much doubt whether the
masses would not accept the lesser
sum without a revolution. II Is unde-
niable that attacks upon the Govern
ment are growing more bitter daily,
strikes are causing a ferment OF un-
rest, and the most skilful are unable to
aralyze what is under the surface in
France.
So far as Premier Lloyd Georges
own situation goes. he has admitted
that, the British people are prepared
Continued on Second -Paoe.