New-York tribune., 1919-02-17


lossus
The President departed from France
yesterday under circumstances strik-
ingly different from those attendant
upon his arrival. His departure was
accompanied by none of the enthusiasm
which reached its height on the brill
liant day of his entry into Paris ex-
actly two months ago.
The change was not in Mr.. Wilson.
His policies and intentions seem to
have deviated little from those with
which he left the United States early
IN December. To understand what has
happened one must know that before
Mr. Wilson'S arrival the French were
uninformed regarding him. The French
censorship had eliminated many phrases
from his speeches, even from that of
September 27, when victory was within
the Allied reach.
Perhaps the single, most serious
source OF misunderstanding is the
question whether Germany should be
required not only to make reparation,
but to pay heavily toward liquidating
the cost of the war.
Reparation Promised Britain
L. W
son came. Arthur Balfour, in a long
interview with American newspaper
correspondents stated emphatically
that his Interpretation of the armis-
tice terms would include ample pay-
ments by Germany toward the costs of
the war Even after the Presidents
arrival in France Lloyd George and
other men now forming the British
Cabinet promised in electioneering
speeches to exact from Germany all
she could pay.
Then came the preliminary discus
sions between Mr.. Wilson and Premier
Clemenceau and Mr.. Wilson and Pre-
mier Lloyd George, after which the
President stated that he found himself
in close agreement in principle with
these two most important statesmen
in Europe
But strange rote Of discord sound
ed almost Immediately. NJ. Clemen-
ceau, during the Presidents visit to
London, announced in the French
Chamber of Deputies that in fact some
important differences existed between
them. At the same time another states
man, in position to ascertain and
comprehend the views Of Lloyd George,
Clemenceau and Wilson, privately in
formed me that. although the Presi-
dent and the British Premier had both
declared themselves in complete &C
cord in principle, he would not be sur
prlsed If they were found in radical
disagreement when it came to the in
depreciation of those principles.
Harmony With Wilson Sought
1t was obvious that the British Cab
met, following the British policy of the
last half century, had determined, as
Lloyd George put it in one Of his cam
palgn speeches, to make serious sacri-
hces to reach a complete agreement with
the United States, and as the Premier
later said IN private conversation, "The
President represents the United States
at the peace conference. according to
the American Constitution, and des pite
the Republican majority in Congress" !"
Whether, however, the British Cabi-
net can forego the imposition of at
least a part of the war costs on Ger
many to meet the Presidents wishes is
grave question. And this issue has
not yet been reached in the peace con-
ference. The British have shown
characteristic patience, but the French
who expected much, have been more
imperative; they have pushed the issue
and found that upon point after point
the President appeared to be against
the position they assumed.
They desired action in Russia, be
cause, they contended and still contend,
that the security of Europe is impos-
slble until the Russian problem has
been solved. American supporters of
the President, who generally, though
not always, echo his opinions, often
suggested that the French desired only
to recover the billion dollars they have
invested in Russia. French statesmen,
on the other hand, pointed out that q
billion dollars was comparatively un-
important.
Demobilization Insisted On
The French furthermore insisted
upon the demobilization Of the German
army; but the President was opposed,
contending that Germany, in Justice,
should not be required to 20 bevond
the armistice terms, which she had
signed in good faith
Ihis was the issue that reached its
climax during the last week Of Mr..
Wilson'S sojourn in Paris, developinp
acutely and causing so many recrimi-
nations within the conference and so
much press comment that the Presi
cent threatened to propose the removal
OF the peace conference to another cap-
ltal. The mediation Of certain Amcri-
can and British delegates, however.
Drougnt about reconciliation, and
president Wilson agreed to accent the
British proposals, which lay between
the American and French ideas regard
ing the monthly renewal Of the armis-
tice.
The British contendcd it was An er-
for 10 continue renewing the armisticc
on the original terms because it was
delaying rehabilitation and was inju-
rious to all Europe. The British pro-
posed the new armistice terms an AN
advance toward the ultimate peace
terms, and upon this basis the Pres
ident agreed
simultaneously with opposition to
measures that the French statesmen
and publicista believe to be for the
essential interests Of France, the Prcg
ldent hns been contcnding continually
for the relief Of Germany through the
raiBing of the blockade. The French.
moreover, were gricved at Mr.. Wilson'S
failure TO visit the devastated areas of
France and Belgium. They have en-
deavored TO show TO all tho Americans
here the terrible, deliberate dcstruc-
tion the Germans wrought upon neigh
boring countries for The purpose OF
obtaining commercial advantage. Some
Frencnnen have gone 30 far nv 20
1ay that, even though partially de.
i'afed, Germany can still win the war.
tf ny acquiring control If the vast
reEources Of shattered Russia can pay