Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-04-11
Amcricn MIN Not Dcscrt Ernnce

America Will Not Desert France
FRANCE for the moment stands alone
fighting for its life. Apparently de-
serted by its allies ITS position seems little
less precarous than in the fall OF 1914,
when the German hordes poured across its
border, intent on it's humiliation. AS a
vitality necessary step in its own defense it
has moved swiftly. and without the consent
OF mountaineering league OF nations, to
the occupation of German cities, thereby
threatening the entente cordiale.
But the desertion OF France is only APP
parent. Its allies today as strong in its
support as they were in those historic days
when the cannon were laundering and men
were falling by tens OF thousands The
schlsm among the allies, if there is one,
over which Germany is rejoicing pre-
maturely, and III which 1t sees hope of a
delayed victory, exists in the mind of Lloyd
George rather than i'll fact. The British
Premier for his own nefarious political
ends, for continuance of his own power,
has not hesitated to sacrifice allied unity
and concord in favor OF the common enemy
But he overstepped the bounds of both
truth and diplomacy when he announced to
the world that the allies and the United
States condemned the action of France in
sending its troops into the territory beyond
the Rhine. The outburst of denunciation
from every allied country that has ccntcred
upon the Premier is sufficient evidence that
il was Lloyd George speaking and not,
through him, the peoples whom he falsely
presumed TO represent.
Authorized to speak for Great Britain.
he did not even correctly interpret his own
country's attitude, where the sentiment
favorable to France is likely 10 hasten his
political degradation. That he falsiied the
Belgian attitude was proved by that lit |
tie countrys instant offer of help 10 France. !
That he had no right TO speak for the
United States admits of no argument, and
his. braZen assumption is condemned by this
country Washington has said nothing Of /
fcially. but if the administration is in any
wise conscious of the popular feeling it will
rebuke the British Premier and give France
to understand that it may count now as al
ways on American support. America did
not sacrifice the lives of its youth and its
billions OF treasure in tho war against Ger
many only TO see the fruits of its efforts
nullifed by the rehabilitation of the Hun
at the expense of its beloved ally.
The is not over. That fact is borne
in upon weary. disheartened world as it
views developments in Germany. Aggres-
siveness OF the Hun has not been checked
by the military defeat which he never has
acknowledged. Berlin has no intention OF
living up TO its treaty terms In every der
velopment of the past few months may be
read careful, defiant plot TO rend the
allies asunder, defeat France and eventually
win the war which the armistice was be-
lieved 10 have ended. To the ehectuaton
OF this purpose the Ruhr Valley is neccs-
sary, and the kapp coup detat and the Red
outbreak now stand .hinly yelled
moves, under the very nose V the allies,
TO gain control of this c. led strategic
territory. France saw the LANCER. realized
its peril il il awaited action b. its luke
warm allies, and acted with quick decision.
Living under the appraised claws OF the
beast, who shall blame il for striking in its
own defense? 1t is now or never for
France The dream of idealisln is diss-
pated by the stern reality of treacherous
and still powerful Germany
America, largely 10 blame for present
unhappy and dangerous conditions first
through its Presidents insistcnce on an
idealistic program Of universal, everlasting
peace, and, secondly, through its failure
10 ratify the treaty, owes II To France to
make its position known, and that without
delay. Germany once believed America
would not take up arms, and it was dis
!!lusioNed. II il is made to understand now
that America still is the friend Of France.
il will be more careful in its ill-concealed
plans for allied disruption, leading to
Frances destruction