Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-11-21
Germany's Entering Wedge

1 OIL WHAT IL cOnCe1VeS
to DC the psychological moment to
foment discord in the assembly of the league
OF nations by forcing TO the front ques-
tons about which there Is variance Of
opinions among member nations, Germany
has presented an official note Of protest in
which 1t puts the assembly on notice that
il no longer considers itself bound by the
clause of tine Versailles treaty surrender
ing its colonies TO the allies. The note de-
clares that the allies have not fulfilled their
undertakings regarding the clause OF the
treaty concerning the allotment OF these
colonies and mandates; that when Germany
signed it was with the understanding that
the republic would be admitted to the
league and consequently take part in the
allotment of mandates.
While on the face OF the note it would
appear that Germany was seeking merely
to regain control over its colonies, the un-
DERIVING motive to the objection raised is
seen to be more far-rcaching in its pur-
pose. Even casual analysis Of tho note in
dictates that it is first step in a carefully
developed scheme to force the league into
q shattering impassc. not only over the
question OF return OF its colonies about
which there has been renewed discussion
OF late but also over the future question
OF reparation and other proposed modfca-
tions of the treaty. which some Of the mem
Der nations favor. II is meant TO be an
entering wedge, SO to speak. To disrupt the
existing accord, not any too firmly cemented,
among the allies.
TO say nothing OF alleged violations OF
treaty provisions by certain OF the powers
in the game OF grab under the mandates
clause, recent world developments have
played into Germuny's hands i'll its uncon-
cealed purpose to cvade treaty obligations.
always protested impossible of fulfill
mcnt, whenever it could safely do So In
pursuance of this purpose, Germany now
strikes at time and in place where there
is a fair prospect OF hurting it's former
enemies and corrcspondingly helping its
scheme OF throwing of part Of the burden
assumed under the treaty Following the
American election. appraised by German
statesmen as indicating that the United
States will not be party to the enforce
ment OF those provisions OF the treaty bound
up in the league. has come the crushing
blow administered to the allied cause in the
defeat Of Premier Nenizeos. OF Greece and
the restoration TO power in that govern
ment OF leaders sympathetic with the Ger
man cause. In these and other develop
ments which. on their face, would appear
10 be favorable 10 its schemes, Germany
thinks it dscerns the psychological mo-
nlcnt 10 further allied dscord, in tho growth
OF. which, it has not unwisely concluded, may
result . loosening OF its bond
However, if France and Great Britain
continue TO hold together in the accord
previously reached AZ 10 carrying out the
provisions 81 the treaty, OF which there ap-
pears TO be little doubt this new phase Of
German defiance will quickly be suppressed
at least for tho time being AS to the
future, that depends on how well tae league
functions. OF which we are to Lave some
clear indication in the present meeting OF
its assembly.