The Washington herald., 1921-01-03
Justice for France,


In an interview accorded to Stephane Lau-
zanne, editor of Matin, Raymond Poincare form
eriy PRESIDENT OF France, explains for the benefit
OF Americans the reasons for the misunderstand-
ing between France and her allies on the question
of reparations
In the course of the interview NJ Poincare
declares that the extent of Frances loss in the
devastated areas and the dangers of her present
condition underestimated; that since it is i'm
possible that all states involved in the war be
reconstructed simultaneously, justice demands the
state which has suffered most and been most dew
astated should be helped first
He adds that the chief burden of suffering
should be born by the state guilty of aggression
and not by the victim He asks only that justice
be done.
Americans will agree with NJ Poincafe as far
as he goes. There is disposition to let Geramny
off and force France to bear burdens which in
justice should be borne by Germany.
The matter of reparations, however, is not
merely question of making Germany pay for
the losses France has suffered from German ag-
gresslon. There is no question whether Germany
or France should suffer most
The question is whether in an attempt to do
full justice to France the whole economic and po-
tcal structure of Central Europe is to be plunged
into chaos If Central Europe is destroyed by
such catastrophe all the reparations in the world
Can save france from SlHlllar tate.
France survive the dominant con-
tinental power over the ruins of the states which
are now generally struggling for their very lives
In the face of such a possibility justice must be
tempered with Germany pay, but
Germany must live if she is to pay
Aside from the question of justice to France
in the matter of reparations there other things
which have perhaps alienated the sympathy for
France which has been held in this and other
countries.
NJ Poncare did not comment on the foreign
policy of his government since the armstice. He
does say, however, that if France does receive
rcparation in money next year she will still be in
danger of bankruptcy.
He does not tell us the cost OF maintaining the
present French military establishment in various
parts OF the world, do we know how much the
expedition of Kolchak, Denekine and Wrangel have
cost France.
We know that the cost for the French
patton of Cilica and Syria for the first two months
OF 1921 is estimated at Io5,oooooo francs. We know
that French foreign policy has given encouragement
to Polish imperialsts and that has helped to keep
alike mstrust and suspicion between the new Cen
trail European states and has thus delayed their
economic recovery
We know that France has blocked any move
ment on the part OF Austria toward union with
Germany, and that Austria in her present state
cannot hope to survive
Had NJ. Poncare touched upon these points he
might have sought to justify French foreign policy
on the ground that it necessary for the pro-
lection Of France. Or, being an astute man, he
might have realized that the uses to which that
kind OF explanation has been put in recent years
have rendered it of doubtful value
But whatever the grounds he might choose, the
policies OF his government have unquestionaby fur
nished those who oppose the French claims with
effective ammunition. These policies have likewise
in no small degree lessened the sympathy which is
justly due to the heroic and patriotic people of
France