The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1921-04-05
DIPLOMACY PLAY WITH L. $
Continued from Page il

or the treaty and concentrate on ranging
Americas moral help alongside France in
the controversy with Germany over the
payment of PREPARATIONS.
Europe Swallows Knox Plan.
Even the Knox resolution, which was
SO distasteful to Europeans, because ii
implied to them the beginning of sep
arate peace negotiations with Germany,
is now regarded as perhaps not so obnox-
ious after all. The truth is, the Knox
resolution is not a peace treaty and never
can be. IT'S danger lay always in the
possibility that it might be construed
abroad as a withdrawal of the United
States from itS@ association with the al
lies and as the signal for a new under
standing between Germany and the
Limited States. President Harding and
Secretary Hughes lost no time in remov-
ing such an apprehension. when they
despatched an informal communication
to Berlin. notifying Germany that Amer
lea considered her morally responsible
for the war and obligated to pay for the
damage done.
With such a statement proclaiming
a pro-ally policy, the friends of the Knox
resolution nave renewed their activity.
The white house has spoken no word of
announcement to the 'ITrecOncilable'
group, and it is suggested that the visit
of Senator Knox TO the white house has
been exaggerated to mean an immediate
passage of the Knox resolution in the
same form as it was presented during the
last session. Two things, however. stand
in the way of such a course. One is,
that the Harding foreign policy is not
altogether formulated and there is no
need for haste. because the senate, which
meets again next Monday, must first dis
pose of the Columbian treaty, the other
is. that the Harding administration real
ICES full well that if it puts its support
behind the Knox resolution, which
merely repeats domestic legislation. it
must at the same time announce by what
method it will MAKE peace with Germany
and there is no decision on that point
yet.
Peace Plan Misunderstood.
Much misunderstanding prevails
throughout this country as to the scope
Of the Knox resolution. 1t is simply a
declaration by congress of the ending of
a state of war, but has no effect in inter
national law until negotiations with Ger
many have been completed.
Even the broad policy that America
will come to the aid of Europe. il cir
CumstaHceS should arise again to threaten
the worlds peace, is something when
must be sanctioned by the executive to
have force in international relations.
President Harding has already pro
claimed for America a doctrine of aSSO-
[ citation with the allies in every matter of
German PREPARATION and there will be sim
liar statements to reaSsure Europe that
the ending of a technical state of war
with Germany doesn't mean a new rela.
tiOnship with Germany.
Allies Scrap the League.
France is disposed To look favorably
on this procedure. After all, the French
say why should America be blamed faI
refusing to ratify the Versailles treaty,
when Italy and Great Britain openly dis,
Ircgard the provisions of that same
treaty? From the French viewpoint, the
moral help of the United States is just
as valuable. if it supports French policy
whether the United States ratified or dis
cards the treaty of Versailles. In other
words. the French are making a, bid for
American support at a moment wher
they think England and the United
States are eStranged over the Irish
problem. The British are absorbed in
industrial troubles at home as well a,
with the Irish affairs, and they have has
considerable friction with the French
ever since Americas influence was with.
drawn from European councils through
the delay in ratifying the treaty. France
Is eager to make an entente. or even al
alliance, with the United States on al
most any terms as a countercheck against
such a possible entente between Amer.
lea and England. Meanwhile Italy plays
a lone hand in southern Europe and has