Evening star., 1920-11-21
SCHOOLS
.CLASTIING AT GENEVA
Liberal and Conservative Influences In
volved in Questions Arising
Over Germany.


none but those who have been in
france can appreciate the holy dread
OF further German outrages. None but
, those who have been in France, par
tlcularly since the war can realize
now quickly the French people them
selves would bring to task any gov
ernment which they did not think
was protecting to the uttermost
Frances safety against Germanic in
cursion. This distrust will remain in
the very heart and soul of France for
hundred years. and is there now be-
cause France realizes Germany is In
1a1r way to recover her old-time COM
mercial power, while today France
eyes with suspicion every move made
within Germany to organize military
FORCES. Militia organization is<<pro-
ceeding apace in Germany. Whether
these organizations are being per-
fected to participate in the expected
royalist coup remains to be seen, but
France, in view of Germany's appar-
ent growing hate for her, argues that
they at least can be used to prevent
strict enforcement of the treaty of
peace. particularly if allied forces by
necessity are compelled to move fur
ther into Germany.
British statesmen do not choose to
recognize that France is in imme-
uiale pei IL duu ueHS elHpHdllCdily ltdS
Great Britain insists on taking ad-
vantage of Frances economic situa-
tion to promote Britain's interests.
The whole policy Of Great Britain to-
day is predicated on the theory that
only by close union between all ma
tions can the majority survive. At
least they cannot be expected to ad-
vance with the rapidity necessary to
early restoration of normality on the
continent. In a sense Frances ma
neuvers are suspected by a large ele-
ment Of British statesmen. for, as they
point out, the French never, from
Clemenceau on, have ceased to advo-
cate the French occupation of the
Ruhr mining regions and in fact have
urged the seizure of the whole lett
bank of the Rhine. 1t is even said
that France would take advantage OF
technicalities in the enforcement or
the peace treaty SO the Ruhr might be
occupied permanently. In such action
British see only provocation Tor an
other war-the creation of modern
day Alsace-Lorraine issue, which
would remain a fostering thorn in the
side Of Germany leading to but one
end eventually-war.
Feeling Grows Bitter.
In fact, the feeling between France
and Germany is constantly growing
bitter. It is reported that the French
may repudiate the economic and repa-
rations arrangements made at the spa
conference. in which case the whole
question of further amicable relations
between the two countries would be-
come extremely doubtful. The Ger
mans suspect the French Of endeavor-
ing to pfecipitate a crisis on the Ques-
ton Of fulfllment Of the Versailles
terms and. as a consequence, the gov
ernment is being urged, by the CEN
trfsts particularly. to curtafl the or
ganization of militia and other semi
military units on the ground that the
French will occupy the Ruhr region
on the slightest pretext. Ant1-French
speeches are being delivered over the
length and breadth Of Germany. and
a. IL declared one of the chief argu-
ments being used by those factions
seeking the return OF the royalist
regime is that the Hohenzollerns ana
the Bavarian monarchS would resist
France to the last and rehabil1tate the
old Germany, possibly restoring the
empire. to its oid-tinle dominant posi-
tion. Ridiculous as may appear the
statements in themselves. it is a vel!
known fact that they cannot help put
fall on fertile soil, inasmuch a6 ois-
satisfaction with the present German
regime grows and the people them
selves can see nothing but ruin for
Germany in compliance with the peace
terms.
Another Friction Promoter.
Furthermore, France would have
Germany apply for admfttance to the
lea ague Of nations. This, the Germans
saw. they will not do. but will enter
only on invitation. If Germany stays
ont Of the league and France alone
blocks Germany's admittance, this
very issue is bound to have far
reaching effect in the relations of the
two countries and even make the car
rying out of the Versailles terms diff
fcuIt, possibly increasing friction to
the point of conflict.
england realizes this and hopes to
swing the balance of power within
the league. Britain would force
France to follow less dangerous
maths. and even though the course
might be excee dinghy noxious, even
the French declare France cannot
economically stand alone through the
coming years as her political situa-
tion be ecomes more and more isolated.
Britain, independent financially and
economically, undoubtedly would pro-
ceed with her own policies even
should France muster enough votes
to bar Germany from the league.
AS stated, this is but one of the ques-
tions upon which the test of strength
between the liberals and conserva-
tiyes will come within the league and
the sessions during the coming week
undoubtedly will go far toward show
ing which has the whip hand.