Evening star., 1921-10-02
CANCEL WAR DEBTS,
EUROPEANS ASK US
Senator Robinson Found Such Desire
General Among People in Italy, Bel
eium and France on Recent Trip.

to do this on America, but, aside from
this, there is little bitterness and much
friendliness manifested by the people of
Germany toward the United States.
This is illustrated by the fact that the
the American military forces in the
occupied area be retained there so
long as there are any foreign troops
kept there"
Senator Robinson spoke in praise
of the discipline maintained by Com
manding Gen. Allen of the American
forces in Germany, and said that it
has made the American uniform and
the American flag respected through
out Europe, and particularly in Ger
many
Barrier to Normal Conditions.
at is Disappointing" continued
Senator Robinson, that the genius of
world craftsmanship has brought for
ward no plan that would assure the
execution of the treaty with Ger
many and thus make possible the
withdrawal of all the French, British
and American troops from German
territory. The presence of the French
troops particularly is calculated to
keep alive the spirit of hate which
has existed so long between France
and Germany. If the war is ever to
eRd. some plan must be found to Sc
cure the execution of the treaty with
out resort to military forces. AS a
practical proposition. however, it is,
doubtful whether such a plan can be
found. The French fear that the
Germans will secretly store up
against another day when the events
Of 1870 and II may be repeated and
when France may again be humili-
ated. Thus in sense the war still
continues. The French feel that their
only protection against another at
tack from Germany lies in continued
repressive measures against Germany
that will make impossible the revival
Of her national spirit
Progress OF Reconstruction.
Returning to the economic side of
the European situation, the Arkansas
senator said:
THE work Of reconstruction in
Belgium is progressing with amazing
rapidity. While evidences of devas-
tation and ruin appear on every side,
there is little sign of extreme pow
erty among the people. On the con-
trary. was surprised to note that
throughout Belgium there Is an abb,
sence Of any indication Of general
discomfort or suffering.
'In France, too. the work Of re-
construction and restoration is pro-
crossing rapidly in the devastated re-
gions. While there are sections many
miles in length where little or moth
ing has been done, there are other
areas where a great deal has already
been accomplished"
Senator Robinson said that he had
seen in Belgium number of cities.
completely destroyed during the war.
now almost fully restored. Every
building is new.
Switzerland and Italy.
Senator Robinson said. he had been
impressed with the fact that the
Swiss, while fairly prosperous. are
economizing along with the other ma
tions of Europe. He pointed out that
during the war the tourist trade of
Switzerland, upon which many of its
people have depended in the past, was
wiped out. 1t. is beginning to -four
ish again, however.
In Italy many of the factories are
doing good business, he said. There
has been much trouble between the
government and the labor unions,
however, and there seems to be a
feeling that an upheaval might hap
pen there at any moment. He men
toned the new plan adopted in Italy,
10 per cent of their bill, in addition
to the regular charge, for services.
This, he said, is supposed to take the
place Of the tipping system. and has
been insisted upon by the labor
unions.
Want Debt Cancelled by L. s.
One phase of the economic situa-
tion of the European countries which
fought against Germany is, of course,
the large debts owed by them to the
United States. Senator Robinson said
he had found that the peoples Of
Italy. Belgium and France seemed
7Vo0t;I,,o5 ~ Tl1;r-j d. 20 <