Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-11-07
FRENCH EXPECTING
CLOSER HARMONY
WITH REPUBLICANS
Wave of Relief Reported as
Result of Great G. O.P.
Victory.
HOPE HARDING WILL
ACCEPT THEIR VIEWS
Attention to Be Concentrated ON
Pact of Guaranty Signed
With Peace Treaty.
BY PERTINAX.

Henri Geraud. Editor rEcho de Pars)
tBy Cable to The Star. Copyright. 1901
PARIS. November 6|I cannot in
truth refrain from saying that a wave
of relief swept over France when
the republican vicrroy was an
nounced. not so much because OF
any lack of sympathy with the
league of nations. to which the
American Senate has been SO op-
posed. as owing to the circumstances
that it now is understood that some
thing can and will be done by Amer
ica to relieve that international un-
certainty and tension which could not
be removed without the action OF
America. The republican victory
caused no surprise here. having been
fully anticipated in cable dispatches
from Washington. The change in
the situation is welcomed on all sides
here as supplying an opportunity Tor
France to get into closer touch Win
America within the next six months.
The problem which has been already
discussed and which is now in every
political mind is, How can be brought
about a better cooperation betwoen
the two great nations which are -
closely sympathetic? It is earnestly
hoped here that between now and
the end of his term of office President
Wilson will not disturb the present
status quo, which, briefly. gives the
United States unofficial representa-
tion in the conference of ambassa-
dors and the commission on repara-
tions and provides for the presence
of American troops upon the Rhine
side by side with the forces of
France, Britain and Belgium.
Pact Called Important.
France earnestly hopes that when
Senator Harding enters the white
House as President Of the United
States he will consolidate upon his
own lines. in which. France has he
futielt confidence. the present position
of affairs
From the French point Of view the
pact of guaranty and assistance to
France. which was signed by Presi-
dent Wilson and -Premiers Lloyd
George and Clemenceau June IS at
the same time as the Versailles
treaty. and which President Wilson
refused to submit to the American
Senate for ratification as long as that
body withheld ratification OF the pact
and covenant OF the league of nA-
tions in complete entirety, is OF para
mount Importance. The attention of
the French government will ke con-
centrated upon this matter.
Last January it was reported from
Trustworthy sources that Senator
Lodge had given assurances that this
pact of guaranty would be ratified by
the Senate if forwarded to it by the
President. 1t therefore is accepted as
a practical certainty that no serious
obstacle will delay redemption o. the
American pledge in the new ciTcum-
stances. EIihu Root, accepted w the
French as likely to represent eepub-
ucan feeling in America, expressed
himself as being in a sense favorable
to French wishes. and from this az.
preston much comfort has been
drawn.
Matter Of IndiAefence.
If all these indications may be ac-
cepted as indicative of actual condi-
tions in America. it will be practical
ly a matter of indifference to French
statesmen whether the state OF peace
with Germany shall be re-established
through ratification of the Ver-
sailles treaty with whatever amend
ments the American Senate may deem
fitting for Introduction into the
covenant, or whether America shall
feel it wise to end her state Of hos
tility with Germany by a simple Leg
islative declaration that peace ex-
lists.
It cannot even be said that such q
declaration, even though it kept
America outside the league OF ma
tions. would be judged unfavorably
here in France. as France unques-
tionably fears the internationalist
spirit now blowing over the league
and could easily be brought to the
opinion that America by staying out
side the society OF nations, automati-
cally would compel the league to
play a more modest, moro useful and
less dangerous part in administra-
tive affairs than seems to be indi-
Gated by present somewhat ambitious
plans.
However, it must be observed that
the covenant easily could be adapted
to the requirements which the recent
elections seem to indicate az being
the general desire of the American
people without in any serious or
even important sense losing it's USE
fulness as a guarantee against fu-
ture wars This could be done by
amendments proposed to the assem-
bly, of the league. as provided in one
article of the peace treaty. without
reopening formal pourpariers with Ger
many.
Attitude May Be Dominated.
1t is quite possible that the attitude
Of the French delegation in the as
sembly of the league meeting on the
18th of November will be dominated
by the desire to keep open the way
to this course OF procedure. and that
to the various proposals OF reforms
Continued On FsSS Z Column u