The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1921-04-18
THE YAP DIFFICULTY.

Secretary Hughes long and well
argued statement OF the case of the
United States in regard TO the island Of
zap makes it clear not only that, as
one Of the principle powers engaged in
the war, this country has right TO
be consulted in the disposition OF the
colonial possessions Of Germany, but
that in the discussions at Paris Presi-
dent Wilson particularly excepted the
island Of zap when it was proposed
to give Japan the mandate over the
German islands in the Pacific, holding
that zap should be internatonalzed
because of its Importance to America
and other countries as cable station.
These two facts are not disposed Of by
the later grant Of the mandate to Japan
by the Allies with the consent OF the
council Of the League of Nations.
At the same time it is true that this
country's refusal to ratify the treaty of
Versailles and the tone of the entire
discussion in the Senate could hardly
fail to create the impression in Europe
that we intend to remain aloof, would
have nothing whatever to do with the
settlements, and did not care rap
what was done so long as We were not
tangled" or made responsible in any
way. While the Senate talked for
many months in a way likely to convey
precisely this impression, the Allies,
after long since having signed the
treaty, faced the necessity Of action,
and it is not surprising that they went
ahead, awarding the mandate over the
Pacific islands after similarly disposing
of the other colonial possessions of Ger
many. When they urgently proposed
that the United States accent a man
date or mandates 1t was promptly inn
mated to them through Senate utter
ances that we intend TO wash our hands
of the whole business. Presumably
they then concluded that they were
free to go ahead and would never be
interfered with, and such q conclusion,
under the circumstances, would have
been reasonable enough. Apparently
The Allies and the League council erred
only in failing TO recall or take into
account President Wilson's expressions
in regard to the island Of Yap. The
announcement Of the mandate to Japan
was made in time for Secretary Colby
TO protest in behalf Of President Wilson
and the protest has been continued by
Secretary Hughes under the new ad-
ministration.
Such is the situation, and an unfor-
tunate one it is. 1t may mean trouble
for Japan has announced q determina-
tion to hold zap and the Allies are
critical OF our seemingly belated inter
est In matters with which our Senators
declared We would have nothing to do.
No country is more friendly or more
desirous to please America than France,
yet the French view in this connection
is clearly indicated in the Paris Mdi's
satirical paraphrase OF the situation as
follows:
"I learn with astonishment,' says
Uncle Sam, the Allies pretend to have
signed within the last two years a GER
tain number Of treaties which they con-
slider binding on the United States. !
do not recognize these treaties and at
the same time I intend to profit by
them because took part in the war.
But isn't il true timidly ask the Allies,
that you We're represented at the Peace
Conference by your own President!
You are wrong replies Uncle sam.
MY President was by no means author
lied to rcpresePt me. Whatever he did
and said does not count. Do not OBJ
lige me to tell you 50 again and mean
while do me the kindness 10 change
whatever happens 10 annoy me in your
different treaties
on account OF opposition the Wilson
administration could not achieve a de.
finite and comprehensive policy with
regard 20 European affairs and the
war settlements. Il Is now up TO the
Harding administration TO fix such %
policy. FOR it is demanded In justice
both TO our late allies and ourselves.
~
II seems that "vamps" lose hope