The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1920-04-12
Observes Progress OF
Investigation as to Real
Situation.
FRENCH POSITION
is TO ACT FIRST
Question of Imperative
ness Is Being Consid-
cred by San Reno Con-
feres.

" ashlngton, April IL AZ
tuaI disintegration OF the
league of nations if the council
of prime ministers at San Reno
fails this week to find "A solu-
ton of the Ruhr valley sltua-
ton is foreseen here and tor
this reason, if no other, Presl-
dent Wilson may choose a dra-
matte means Of attempting TO
reconcile the differences be
tween the allies.
The state department today was
awaiting a complete report OF the SIT
uation in the Ruhr valley from Amer
lean military men who are no" en-
the scene. The report doubtlessiy Will
ne sent Immediately 10 tie White
House and may furnish the president
some basis for action. If, as fore
cast last night in the exclusive des-
patch from Kari II, Won Weigand,
Universal Service staff correspondent,
IT. will be demonstrated conclusivsly
that the German forces IN the Ruhr
Valley do not constitute military
menace to France, the president may
use this information to show that
France, the president may use this
Information TO show that France mas
become wholly unduly worried over
the matter The council of ministers
viii lend its attention first TO the Ger
man claim that its troops IN
the Ruhr district are insufficient
IN number to justify The French belief
that a military base against France
is being created in that district.
The council will also determine
whether the troops sent By Ebert are
now republican soldiers or simply a
uucIes for another Noa kapp move
ment. France declares she has pos
tive knowledge of the latter fact
that she was compelled to act. after
having given due notice to the allies
MAY SHAKE LEAGUE
But IL the council Of ministers
finds itself powerless 10 solve the ques-
ton, the entire frame work OF the
league of nations Will be shaken TO
It's foundations and therefore the pres
idert ~ expected to take some action
II was pointed out today that the
action OF France goes to the root
Of the question whether the league
of nations is operative or can be
neutraIixed at any time by indepen
dent action, even by giving notice. as
France did in the presently instance.
Officials here say today that obvious
~ the council of prime ministers cam
not leave San Reno without settling
that question once for all
France has practically remonstra
ted that in her opinion occasions may
arHss when 1t will be necessary for
nation to act first and refer it's ac-
tons to the so-caiIed league OF ma
lions afterwards There seems TO be
in mind of officials here the clear
cut issue that Lloyd George and the
Italian prime minister must either
yield to France or admit the inoper-
auveness OF the league of nations in
the very first big question that has
arisen under II.
This issue, II Is observed by officials
is entirely apart from the question
whether France was right or wrong
IN her suspicious of the intentions of
Germany in the Ruhr district.
There is, therefore. the keenest In
terest In what the United States will
declare after it has been in possession
OF the facts as obtained from Amer
lean military and diplomatic sources.
These are supposed to be SO COM
plete as to leave nothing unsaid on
which the United States could justify
positive opinion and it's publication.
The United States will not be rem
resented at the council OF prime min
listers at San Reno so II is entire
" possible that the views OF this gov
eminent may he made public before
the ministerial council will have a
chance to take any snap Judgment.
MIND STILL OPEN
1t is held here that the United
States has continuing interest In
the affairs of all nations with regard
to Germany for the special reason
that this country and Germany are
still at war and there can therefore
be no final settlement of German at
fairs which does not embrace the in
terests of the United States.
In a general way II may be stated
that the mind OF the White House and
state department Is not made up. The
attitude the United States has here
tofore expressed was predicted on
the Information 1t had when France
invaded Germany. What is now being
sought evidently is some middle
ground on which France and the
United States can agree with respect
TO Germany and this may take the
form or An agreement for each side
10 withdraw military forces from the
Ruhr district for the present and
await the effect OF such action on
the people OF the district.
Nothing can be more certain than
the information obtained here today
that the council Of ministers is to
take stock of the situation in Eu-
rope" The ministers. it is stated.
must agree 70 stand together or there
VIII be a return TO the old European
policy OF establishments on the bal
ance OF power" basis. The big ter
ritories to be balanced. outside of
the German French issue are Russia.