The New York herald., 1921-11-28
HARDING PLAN NOT
WELCOME IN EUROPE
Paris Aroused by Presidents
Suggestion to Call Ger
mans to Farley.
ASSOCIATION ASSAILED
France and Other Nations
Likely Could Gain More
From Geneva League.
ASSOCIATION ASSAILED
by LAURENCE HILLS.

Special Gable TO THE NEw YORK HERALD.
Copyright, 1921. by THE New YORK HERALD.
: New York Herald Bureau.
Paris, Nov. "a.
President Harding's suggestion that
an Association of Nations be based on
a mere gentlemen's agreement is not
being we'll received in France nor will
it be by some of the smaller contl-
mental nations unless President Har-
ding's idea involves a guaranty of
their security.
suggestion lies an attempt to revise
the Versailles treaty has at once domi-
mated the French mind. The suggested
inclusion of Germany in future con-
ferences already is provoking ex-
tremely bitter comment here.
II is possible that IL the Harding
idea had been advanced without any
mention of Germany in the confer
ences 1t would have got kinder con-
sideration. But where France q year
ago apparently stood ready to fur
ther any substitute for the existing
League of Nations which would get
the United States into close coopera-
ton, the developments at Washington
have been such-judging from the
comment that President Harding's
proposal Is inspiring-that the present
league without the United States
seems preferable, as the league con-
stitution contains guarantees such as
were not offered TO France at Wash
ington, but which might be exacted
from the present league.
From the attitude assumed by smaller
nations like flurnania. Czecho-SlovalSia,
Poland and ~sen the Scandinavian coun-
tries at the last assembly of the league
at Geneva regarding changes In the
| league. It might safely be assumed that
they would demand from any new asso-
citation en- equivalent to the promises OF
protection.
In League of Nations circles In Ge-
neva the Harding idea apparently has
revived hopes that by modifying some
what the present constitution the two
ideas can be interviewer without de-
| stroying the present league, partcu-
larly It's secretariat now Installed there.
1t Is on the suggestion OF inviting the
Germans to future conferences which
would assume the form OF new associ-
alton, that the French press unani-
mously Is commenting with unusual
hostility. The Tptronstosunt tonight
even goes so far as to invite Ambassador
Herrick to cable Immediately to Wash
ington "a follows:
"It Is deplorablc the impression which
such a measure would cause in France
tending to enlarge the conference which
had been opened only 10 allied and as
ISOLATED Powers, as the French Thought
Ii calls Amba ssedor Herrick sincere
friend of France. as shown by his con-
duct IN 1914, and says: I'VE expect or
him to-day n service of equal mpor-
tance, as Brisnd II now on the sea and
cannot intervene" The Germans. II
holds. would go 20 Washington only to
get n revision or the treaty to which
France would neve. consent.
The Liberte takes W tho subject under
the heading: THE Washington Confer
cnce's Imprudencea." and dlscourses on
the Harding plan in bitter tone. asking
America 20 be consistent In her policy
why" it asks, speak OF instltutlng
et washington competitor OF the
League Of Nations? Why open ct once
this or osition league 20 Germany,
which has not yet been able 20 force
open the door OF the Wilson edifce ct
Geneva? II the United States is re-
solved to hold aloor from our continent
Continued o7Psre Two.