New-York tribune., 1921-03-05
Speech Causes
Stir in Paris:
Views Conflict
Deputies Desert Chamber
During Debate ON Mobi-
lization Of Glass of 1921
to Scan Text of Address
Impressed by Debt Policy
Worse Than Wilson, Asserts
One Member; Others
See Reasons for Approval

speech of President Harding to-day ere
ated a sensation in French parliament
tary circles, where it was discussed d
with varied comment ranging from the
warmest approval to the bttcrest criti-
cism. The speech was received too late
to be published by the afternoon
papers.
The text Of Mr.. Harding's address
was taken to the Chamber Of Deputies $
by the correspondent of The Associated
Press while the Chamber was discuss
ing mobilization Of the class of 1921,
and caused many Deputies to flock to
! the lobbies. deserting the session dur
ing speech by General Castenau, for
mer Chief of the General Staff.
The paragraph of the speech refer
ring to the payment of war debts and
obligations received the greatest atten-
ton, being interpreted as meaning that
France must repay her loans from
America, but it was declared Germany
must also pay for reparations. I'VE are
quite willing to pay America providing
1ermany pays US said former Minis
ter of Finance Klotz, one of the sign
ers Of the Versailles treaty.
Comment on Speech Varied
Mr.. Harding's reference to non
caused Deputy Charles Bernhard, of
the National Bloc. to tell the corre-
spondent: "By this policy of Pontius
Plate Mr.. Harding washes his hands
of all European affairs. 1t seems we
have fallen from bad to worse-from
Wilson to Harding."
Able Wetterle, Deputy from Alsace,
on the contrary, said he thought Mr..
Harding's speech quite favorable to
france, as it left France free to deal
with Germany as she saw fit without
outside interference.
General Castelnau was greatly inter
ested IN Mr.. Harding's reference to
future swar, the grizzled old veteran
saying: Il wonder against which ma
ton that gun is pointed? am sure
that IN the event of war America would
soon be ready. 1t proved it in 1917"
In the absence of Premier BRAND
IN London, Minister of War Barthou
the ranking minister, refused to make
any comment.
Deputy Rsmeil. Socialist Radical de-
clared he thought there were too many
references to God in the speech. He
sald II America engages in war with
another power it will have to relv upon
other weapons"
Meanwhile the Chamber voted i'm,
mediately mobilization of the class of
1871, which Will remain under the col
ors for eighteen months.
Press Reflects Uneasiness
The morning newspapers. pub,isbed
before the text of the inaugural ad.
dress reached Paris, express a certain
amount OF uneaslness rs to the effect
OF Mr. Harding's policy on the Euro
pean situation.
The Journal declared it had "con-
hdence in the uprightness and broad
PoltlcaI sense OF Mr.. Harding to re-
par, as 1ar as possible, the conse-
Gqences of Mr.. Wilson's mistakes"
ne appolntment of Charles E. Hughes
as Secretary of State was considered
by the newspapers as an evidence of
good Will to France, and hope was ex
pressed that Myron T. Herrck would
be appointed Ambassador to France.
sure OF American friendship" said
the Echo d'Paris, eve can only rejoice
to see at last the Transatlantic Re-
public resume its place at the inter
national council board
Mr. Harding said the Figaro. will
heip on that evolution which will bear
OHe oNiteu states toward the economic
conquest Of the Pacific and the union
Of the two Americas'
The Cabegramme, new daily rep
resentng certain big French business
interests, declared Mr.. Harding is
not dreamer. He is a realist. and
knows what he wants to get from
Europe. He wthholds arguments-
debts owed are serious ones-and will
produce them only at the exact min
ute when they will have the greatest
effect"