Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-12-30
rRIpAY. pECElIpER SO. laal.

FRANCE mus, assume full responsibility
i before the world for having defeated the
success of TWO vitality important projects ne
fore the conference on limitation OF arnia-
ments. France made it impossible at the
outset for that body TO deal conclusifeiy
with land forces and it has now stood UNI
ulterably in the way OF limitation upon
submarines and subsidiary craft. The fact
that it willing to assent to low ratio
on capital ships and was willing to become
II party to the four-power treaty promising
peace in the Pacific does not make it less an
obstructionist in the eyes Of the world.
This insurgency proceeds, moreover, from
the nation which suffered more anguish
than any other in the war against rampant
militarsm. 1t proceeds from people bur
dened 10 the breaking point by taxation
levied to maintain in the field the most pow
'urful standing army on earth today. 1t pro-
ceeds from a government that owes more
money than any other on the Continent of
Europe, money which il admits that il can
not pay and may never be able TO pay. 1t
proceeds, lastly, from the traditional friend
of America, from quarter in which the
American people had every right to look for
support and sympathy.
Because OF these facts it must amaze the
people of this country to find the Washing
ION conference in firm and fast deadlock;
upon issues vital TO its success, all because
the French delegation refuses TO yield upon
the submarine proposal. If Japan had
blocked the proceedings there would have
been little surprise. The Japanese were dis
trusted widely when tlay' entered the con
ference. Or if the British had kicked over
when America proposed Il navy equal 10
their own, there might not have been as
constituent, but 10 have France which is not
now and has never been great naval power.
! force naval cOmpc ition upon the world
seems an almost incredible thing.
1t was assumed in the beginning that the
French strategy during the Washington ne
Gotiations was directed toward some guaran-
ty OF the security OF that country. At Yer
sailles. il was recalled, the French peace
mission pleaded for treaty with America
and Great Britain as safeguard aga nst pos
s.ble German aggression This failed when
The american Congress declined to give con
gldera,ion to the proposal.
Again, when the French Premier came TO
America he declared i'll cloquen, terms that
Inc french army could only be reduced when
assurances had been given that it would not
be needed 10 hold back Frances enemies
IN the original capital ship negotiations the
French talked always OF defensive" poIj-
cies and finally. in demanding the privilege
of building 10000 tons of submarines dn
iS"ses were again the burden OF their argu-
lnent. But if an alliance for their security
is the purpose Of all the French maneuyer-
ing, the representatives OF that nation have
been maladroit almost 10 the point of folly
They have aienated many of their hest
friends III America. They have strained the
Ango-French entente almost 10 the break
ing point and they have aroused the pro-
found distrust Of the Italians. When all
facts and circumstances are considered
French policy during the course OF the Wash
fugton conference passes understanding.