The Washington times., 1921-05-08
France CHAMPIONS
|. YANKEE OIL CLAIMS.
See y. s. Good VIII by Citing
Justice Of American Interest
In Mesopotalnian Fields.
~ NEWTON G. PARKH.
InteFuatisnal Newv Service.

PARIS. May The most signin-
cant, movement for the moment In
world politics 10 the campaign launch
ed under the Inspiration OF the
French foreign offce for closer rela-
tions between France and the United
States.
The French government has shown
readiness to risk antagonixing
Japan In its eagernsss to get on
sound and more friendly relations
with the new Harding Administration
At washington. An influential section
OF the Frepch press. supported by
strong group in parlia ment. would 20
even farther and take q chance at
mourning some illfeeling in England
by supporting the American views on
the Mesopotamian oil question.
FAVOR U. 3. OIL CI4AIMS.
Most surprising 10 the fact that
friends OF ex-Prcmier Clemenceau,
who urged above all things the neces-
sity OF . close Anglo-French alliance,
are taking the lead In proclaiminS
the Justice of Americas claims In tho
Mesopotamian oil fleid. Clemenceau
himself retired from active participa-
ton In rHomme Libre. his Newspaper
organ, several months ago. when
Andre Tardieu and . group Of other
Clemencsauites took over control.
The new director of rHomme Libre,
Eugene Lautier. averages at least two
leading signed articles . week. urging
the importance OF close cooperation
between France and the United
States and advising the government
to support Washington's contentious
on the mandate question.
Lautier has taken a very strong
In "a. - - TT-nlH "a - -.
in the oil situation. He FIRST launch
ed an attack on Lloyd George in an
article discussing the Oil negotiations.
A month later he returned to the
same theme. referring to the serious
mistake" committed at San Reno
when England and France concluded
the oil agreement, and UNFOLDING the
American position that her rights as
one of the victors In the world war
could not be overlooked in her alb
| sence from allied conferences.
"In this AFFAIR and In all others
France should show herself agreeable
to the United States and inspire her
confidence" wrote Lautier. "Presi-
dent Harding has affirmed Americas
interests in Europe with wisdom and
with moderation. The blood she spill
ed on our battlefelds gives America
the right to speak"
"PERTTNAXn ALONE - SILENT.
I-e Populaire, Socialist organ, which
opposes the majority OF the French
press on nearly every question under
the sun, Joins with rHomme Lbre.
Figaro, the Matin. the Petit Journal
and other influential papers in work.
ing for Franco-American cooperation.
lie Populaire reviews the history OF
the oil negotiations and remarks on
the close connection Senator Henry
Berenger has with the Royal Dutch,
the Anglo-Dutch oil company. Beren-
ger was the French representative in
the negotiations that sealed Englands
hold on the Mes6potamian oil fields.
or the prominent newspapers only
the Echo de Paris is abstaining from
this governmental and press move
ment in favor of America Per
tinax," political editor OF the Echo
de Paris. sometimes lends grudginS
support, but more often advises the
United States not to NEEDLE in
Frances tangled relations with Ger
many.