New-York tribune., 1920-08-19
Colby Praises
French Reply
3 To u. S. Note
Expresses Qualification That
France Is in Agreement
With Americas Views
Against the Soviet Rule
Differ Only on Wrangel
Recognition of Anti-Bolshe-
vik Leader, However,
Nav Be Found Desirable

Ftos, The Tribnne'S Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1s.--Gratifca-
ton that the French government is in
agreement with American policy in
voiced to-day by Secretary of State
Colby in statement which accom-
panied the publication of the French
reply. MIR. Colby said:
"The note states without reserva-
tion that the French government is in
entire agreement with the principles
set forth in the American note. 1t
adopts aim ost in Identical words the
views of this government regarding
the Soviet regime in Russia, and de-
clares that France can have no official
relations with government which is
resolved to consplre against its insti-
tutions, whose diplomats will be in
stigators of revolt and whose spokes-
men proclaim that they will sign con-
tracts with the intention not to OBJ
serve them.
"The French government further de-
clares without qualification its belief
in Polish independence, and Its desire
for the maintenance of the territorial
integrity of Poland.
Powerful Support to United States
Most gratifying is the declaration
of the French government of its de-
of it's opposition to the dismember-
ment of Russia. The response is Il
notable declaration from every view
point, and brings to the position taken
by the United States q striking en-
phasis and powerful support.
"On one point there is a divergence,
not of purpose or objective, but OF
policy. This government has not recog-
nized, as the French have done, the
h1-C
in South Russia But we are disposed
to regard the declared agreement of
France with the principles of the
United States as of more significance
than any divergence of policy involved
in the specific action of France in
this single respect.
"The Importance of the French posi-
ton is that it discloses that the two
governments have a common objective.
A divergen nee as to the means to be en-
ployed for its attainment should not
diminish or qualify the satisfaction
arising from so complete an accord as
to the main purpose"
Considering Wrangel Movement
Secretary Colby's reference to the
failure of the American government to
thus far extend de facto recognition to
General Wrangel was interpreted as
not entirely closing the door to this &C
tion later by this government. In fact,
it is known that the State Department
is giving serious consideration to the
objects of the Wrangel movement in
south Russia, and similar action as
that of the French may be found JUS
tilted.
In this connection significance was
attached to the care with which the
State Department is watching every
apA ,1tt NV tho Ro1c cbox, |,
authorities as reported to the depart
ment in confidential communications
from American observers and in cabled
dispatches in the press. Occasion was
taken to-day by Secretary Colby to
point out the fallacy of the Soviet doc
trine, declaring it was based on tyr
amy in almost chemically pure form
Secretary Colby has received from
the Italian government an informal re-
was addressed to the Italian Amba ssa-
dor in Washington. A complete reply
was promised at an early date.
Text of French Reply
Following is the translation of the
note of the French government as
given out by the State Department:
"Mr Secretary of State:
"The President of the Council and
Minister of Foreign Affairs, having
taken cognizance Of the note relative
to Russia addressed by His Excellency
the Secretary of State to His Excel
lency the Ambassador of Italy, has
charged me to inform your eXcellency
that he has learned with satisfaction
that the government of the republic
is in entire agreement with the federal
government as regards the principles
form ulated in this document.
"The government of the republic is