Evening star., 1920-11-21
By OLIVER OWEN KUHN.

league of nations in Geneva tre-
mendous issues are to be solved.
Among the greatest will be the
question as to whether liberal or ul-
traconservative schools of diplomatic
and political thought will rule.
In the problems that face the world
in after-the-war reconstruction there
are many issues between nations
which are grievously vexing. Wheth-
er these shall be settled along the
lines of age-old diplomacy with the
old balance-of-power idea predominant
ing and the spirit of force eXerted is
to be determined. Against reversion
to the old school of international ad-
1ustment is the more liberal element
led by Lord Robert Cecil and mem
bers Of the British delegation who. as
example, would admit all former en-
envy states to the league that the
process of ironing out troublesome
problems might be simpliaed. Against
these is arrayed the French viewpoint.
which considers it inexpedient to ad-
NIT Germany until the treaty of YER
sailfes is fulfilled in all it's provisions.
On this one question alone tna test of
strength between the liberals and
conservatives will come and power
proven. and in the proving there is
certain to be created scars which will
be carried Indefinitely, even though
for economic and political reasons
there must be presented to the pub
lie semblance of concord.
Strive to Align Delegates.
During the past week in Geneva
various of the allied powers, notably
France and Britain. rivals for Euro
pean political leadership, gave evil
dence of effort to align the delegates
of other nations in favor of their re-
spective viewpoints.
1t is known fact that Great Brit.
ain is in favor of admitting Germany
and other enemy states to the league
of nations at the earliest possible mo-
ment. in order to smooth out many
of the perplexing issues arising con-
stantly as the result of Germany's
remaining out. Not only does Great
Britain lean in this direction, but, as
evidenced by Premier Lloyd Georges
statement during the past week.
Great Britain soon may resume full
trade relations with the soviet gov
sition on both issues is France. Vivi-
ami, the great French statesman, who
has been exceedingly active in Ge-
neva during the past week. is pre-
pairing for the great test of strength.
Lord Robert Cecil and George
Barnes. the British labor leader.
openly have espoused the cause Of
German membership. Premier Lloyd
George will arrive in Geneva during
the course Of the present week. and
when he crosses swords with Viviani,
these two being masters Of parlia-
oratory. 1t Is expected that there will
be little attempt to compromise, un-
less compromise is essential to the
success of the first assembly session
If the big issues are not thrashed out
to decision in league sessions proper,
they Will be left for the league coun-
Gil and the. private decisions of allied
premiers. But IL the admission Of
Germany does come to a test in the
league assembly and council. England
and France may be expected to bring
the strongest pressure upon other
league members to join them in the
final vote. No matter which should
win. the latent suspicion of the other.
which has been growing in the past
year more markedly than at any pre-
vious juncture, will be increased.
possibly to the point that each Of
these countries will conduct its for
eign policies, in SO far as they are
able, without that consultation each
with the other that has marked their
settlement of various international
questions since the two nations were
thrown together by Germany's actions
in 1914.
Crux Of Allied Strife.
The crux Of the whole Franco
British strife is Frances unwilling
ness, rightfully or wrongfully, to
abandon her demands that Germany
be manacled and made to pay to the
dot for the hideous damages she in
ficted upon Belgium and France dur
ing the course of the war; which paw
ment. incidentally. is vitally essen
tial to Frances financial we'll being, il
not physical. France today is living
in terrible dread of possible future
German incursion and dodging of the
treaty of Versailles which France
maintains is made possible by the at
titude Of Great Britain. which Paris
declares. is wooing Germanic favor
in her various dealings with Berlin in
order to capture commercial SUI
premacy once Germany gets to going
and commercially. France
argues that this apparent British pro-
German leaning is forever prejudicing
Frances cause, at time when
France is by her economic and finan-
cial situation and necessity OF ply
sical protection, forced to take
strong hand against the Berlin gov
ernment. Frances distrust of Ger
many is well shown by her latest
decision to maintain standing army
of 100000 men during the next two
years. at cost approximating $780,
900, 900 year: whereas, France once
honpd that the treaty Of VeraailleS