New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-04-08
Premier Tells Ambassa-
dor Wallace Troops
Won't Retire Until the
Germans Quit the Zone
Looks for Moral
Aid of America
Declares Presidents Pol.
icy Led Berlin to Be-
lieve Bluff Would Pass
By Ralph Courtney
C,,olr n.L MI, ,r.,

oCopyrght 1920. New York Tribune Inc)
PARIS, April 7.-Confidential infor-
nation in the hands Of the French gov
ernment tends to show that up to two
days ago Germany believed France
would not dare call her bluff in the
Ruhr district. If these reports are
correct it is possible few days more
will see the clearing up Of the situa-
tlon This prophecy is made in we'll
Informed quarters here, on the sup
position that the Germans have no fur
ther secret intentions which have not
yet come to light.
These and other aspect. OF the Ruhr
situation We're put before Ambassador
Wallace by Premier Millerand in q
long interview. MIR. Wallace paid what
was ostensibly friendly visit to the
French Premier, but took occasion to
discuss the entire Ruhr question, in
cludlng outstanding questions between
America and France connected with
that problem.
A few days ago Mr.. Wallace made a
declaration on President Wilson's be-
half, stating the American attitude on
the Ruhr, and information also was
given on the exact status of American
troops. 1t is understood the ambassa-
dor received all the assurance he de-
sired on the question of the ndepen-
dence of American units.
Germany Mistook French Plan
With regard to the Ruhr M. Mile
rand went into full details, showing
how Germany by pursuing a policy Of
isolation had finally placed France in an
ntolerable position. Germany first as
certaned England's Willingness to ac-
qulesce in military expedition against
the Ruhr workers. She also discovered
lands lead, and though she might have
been in doubt at first whether America
would follow the same policy, all her
anxiety was set at rest by President
Wilson's emphatic note sent to the
French government. Germany thus be-
lieved she had France tied hand and
foot and paralyzed into naction, no
matter what Germany did.
M. Millerand fully explained this
situation to Mr. Wallace, declaring
that unless France had shaken herself
at the critical moment she would never
have been abb to lift her voice again.
Ambassador that the French declara-
ton demands complete evacuation of
the neutral zone before retiring her
troops. This word "complete" is open
to a number Of interpretat tions, but
France will not push this point to ex-
tremes if the Germans show good faith
in their handling of the situation.
1t is believed here that Germany is
waiting to learn the nature of the AL
lied reply to France before she makes
her next move. II France receives
support, Germany will quickly reverse
her policy, but if Germany sees a pos
sibility of creating trouble by further
action, she will not fail to lay her
plans accordingly.
Hopes for Moral Support
1t is not correct to say that France
expects or even hopes for the coopera-
ton of American troops What she
would appreciate very much, however.
IS any spontaneous moral support that
America may lend her in her action
to shake herself free from the posi-
ton into which she was being maneu-
vered.
The French place little faith in the
German figures of the number of troops
employed by them in the Ruhr area,
their own estimates showing that the
Germans arc using about $4,000 troops
in the operation, plus a police force of
about $4,000 already in the area.
French and Belgian reports say that
work is going on as usual in a great
number Of industries in the Ruhr val
ley and there is no justification for the
enormous forces the Germans are
throwing in.
Action Explained to Allies
Although France realizes she has'not
the support of Italy, she has not yet
received communications from Rome on
the Ruhr question. French Ambassa-
dor Cambon to-day delivered in Lon
don circular letter from France to
the Allies explaining her action at the
same time that M. Millerand was put
ting before Mr.. Wallace the French
viewpoint. 1t is said the French COM
munication delivered in London by M.
Cambon was received without discus
sion.