The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1920-11-10
RESOURCES OF
FRANCE TO STEM
BOLSHEVIK TIDE
Anti-Red Leader to Get
Support in Fight
on Soviets
By c. F. BERTELLI

BY G. F. BERTELLI
Universal Service, Staff Correspon-
dent-Special Gable Dispatch)
PARIS. - From all indications,
France intends to spend unlimited
millions of francs in the shape of
money, munitions and food in an ef-
fort to stem the advance of the Rus
sian soviet troops in the Crimea.
This became evident today when
the Inspired press fired the opening
guns in the propaganda warfare de-
signed to influence public opinion in
favor of financial and military in
tervention against the reds by France
in favor of Baron Wrangel. Influ-
enced largely by its success against
the Russians in Poland, it is believed
that the French government intends
to employ identical tactics in Rus
sia, where Wrangel leading anti-Bol-
shevihs troops, finds himself in a
tight corner.
But it is significant that the press
of Paris no longer presents solid
front in favor of any imperial policy
The independent papers without one
exception, admit that the recognition
of Baron Wrangel was one of the
gravest diplomatic blunders since the
armistice as it practically commits
France to new war.
Meanwhile the loading of ammuni-
tion destined for Baron Wrangel is
proceeding with great haste at Mar
sailles and other French ports. 1t is
probable that French troops now in
Turkey will be sent to Sebastopol in
this way bringing French military
genius to the aid of the Russian
army IN the Crimea in the same way
that General Weygand directed the
Polish offensive against the reds in
so effective manner last summer.
Incidentally this is altogether con-
trary to the wishes of the United
States as expressed by Washington
through the American representative
on the reparations commission
couple of months ago.
The treaty did not contemplate
subjecting the amount of the indem-
nifty to the question of whether Up
per Silesia remains German territory
or not. According to the most reli-
able diplomatic opinion here, the new
French-British agreement marks a
momentous change in the allied po-
licy and constitutes public acknow-
ledgment of the impossibility Of ap-
plying. the treaty in it's present form
without important concessions to
Germany.
The treaty also did not contemplate
subjecting the amount Of the repara-
tions and the entire question of set
tlement apparently without the par
ticipatiOn of the United States.
Wheher the new agreement Is a
French or British victory is a Ques-
tion now puzzling experts.
French official opinion seems de-
lighted in expectation that the rep
aration experts will submit to the
allied premiers an itemized bill for
compensations amounting we'll over
two hundred billion francs in gold.
The payment of this sum in full will
be insisted upon by France under
threat of invasion of the Ruhr VAL
ley.
While it Is impossible to obtain Of
fetal confirmation, it is reported here
that France has succeeded in obtain
ing the support Of Great Britain for
her claim that new clause be in
serted in the amended treaty CIV
ing France the right of instant in
vasion of the Ruhr Valley should |
Germany default on the payment of |
one installment of the indemnity.
In consideration for such support, |
France, it is said, has promised Great |
Britain concessions for the exploita-
tion of coal and oil fields in the |
French colonies and protectorates. |
This agreement swells the already |
enlarged sphere Of British influence
in the Near East.
Should this report prove to be cor
rect, portion of German territory
will thus be bartered by Great Bri-
tain in exchange for trade privileges
which will tend to insure the Bri-
tish Empires trade supremacy in
Europe and Asia and the freedom
to dispose in the Near East of the
most suitable British interests in In
lia.
The report points out the proper
lion Of the French and German
armies. France has 100000 men un-
Ter arms which costs the country
eight billions yearly while Germany's
army of only 100000 men costs
billion and half.
On the other hand, British circles
lere are chuckling at what they call
/ new British diplomatic victory in
oostponing for six months the settle /
nent of the reparations question
which is the basis of the future &C.
)nomic revival of France.
The British policy, it is explained
~ those on the inside, is being based
IN the principle of preventing France
rom becoming strong nation &C.
and at the same time
keeping Germany at low ebb.