New-York tribune., 1921-09-23
I oes Of BRAND
Oppose Hin, as
Arms Envoy
Premier's Position Believed
More Precarious Than at
Amy Time Since He Or
gallized Present Cabinet
Delegates Still Unnamed
Possible Alliance of Gle
n1enceau and Poincare Is
Chief Peril to Ministry
BY Wilbur Forrest
Special Dispatch to The Tri6ane


Special Dispatch to The Trs5ane
Copyright, 1881. New York Tribune Inc
PARIS, Sept. 22.--Information avail.
able to-day indicated that circum-
stances are threatening to weigh heav-
Sly. against the presence of Premier
Hriand in Washington as head of the
French delegation to the Conference
On the Limitation of Armament.
Asked to-day if the personnel of the
corps of experts and others who will
accompany the delegates has been
pamed, officials of the Foreign Office
said the date of the conference was
so far in advance that nothing had
been officially decided.
Albert Sarraut, Minister of Colonies,
who has been named by the French
press as one of the delegates, left
Paris tonight for an extended tour of
Che French African possessions, saying
he was not willing to discuss his pro-
posed voyage to America before Oc-
toher 20, when he expected to return.
Come to see me October 25," said
u. Sarraut to the Tribune correspond
ant. "We will talk about it then"
Embassy Given No Hint
The Tribune correspondent learned
that, aside from Brands personal as
surancc to Ambassador Herrick some
time sgo that he intended to head the
French delegation, the American En-
hassy was not advised to-day of. any
further plans and had not been Off
cially notified whether the delegation
had yet been selected.
Those in close touch with the politi-
eal situation are convinced that BRAND
would be considerably embarrassed in
the matter of announcing definite
program and the personnel of the
French delegation until the political
atmosphere is clearer. At best this
atmosphere is now extremely cloudy.
Political circles are buzzing with con-
wersation, not only about the present
status of the BRAND government but
the inevitable storm which will break
when the full factions are seated in
the Chamber, which is scheduled to re-
convene October IS, eight days before
che BRAND mission is expected to sail
from Brest for New York.
Brands Position Precarious
Che political critics of the BRAND
Ministry are known to be far more
numerous than they were month ago,
end the friends of the Premier do not
aeny the position of the Cabinet at
shis moment is so precarious that a
meeting of the Chamber tomorrow
probably would prove disastrous.
Much, however, can happen between
now and one month hence, and hardened
and experienced politicians such as the
Premier may find some means to
soften the pointed interpretations on
matters of foreign policy and financial
and sanction questions.
While BRAND undoubtedly will an
pounce his delegates officially within
brief time, it was clear to-day that
bis presence in Washington November
II hangs entirely on the outcome Of the
battle In the Chamber, which can either
result In the quick overthrow of the
ministry or the continued struggle of
she government against anti-Briand
siements which are now stronger than
at any time in the life of the ministry.
It was forecast to-day that even in
Che event that the Premier, by virtue
OF his expertness in political maneu-
vering, is able to sustain the life of
the Cabinet after October 18, he will
probably find it extremely dangerous
60 take his hand off the political helm
or to intrust the fate of his govern
nent to the hands of others while
absent.
Urged to Abandon Trip
In view of this eventuaiity it is re-
ported that at least three ministers.
3arthou, Maginot and Bonneway, are
urging the Premier to abandon his plan
60 go to Washington.
The political situation has been fur
ther complicated the last few days by
yhe reports that Clemenceau is prepar-
Whether the "Tiger'' is actively en-
gagged or not, he is one of the bitter
est opponents of Brand, and his fol-
towing is most formidable.
On the other side, also working along
che same lines, is the Poincare group
IN the Chamber. While these two fac
ger to the ministry lies in their union
ssa the issue of vote Of confidence.
The Foreign Office has confirmed the
report that the cruiser Edgarquina is
Pow en- route in Southern waters
toward Brest, although it declined to
say whether it was ordered specially
70 carry the French delegation to
America.
Likewise, it is unoficially reported
here that Jules Jusserand, French Am
fassador to America, who, with Berthe
lot, general secretary of the Foreign
Office, has been mentioned as making
pp Frances delegation, together with
BRAND and Sarraut, is now preparing
Ehe details of the voyage, and Captain
Sigal, naval attache at the Washing
ton Embassy, is now in France assigned
70 aid the ambassador
Although there is not the slightest
doubt that France will be strongly
represented in Washington when the
conference begins, it is no secret that
politics is making the situation one of
extreme embarrassment, which is re-
aected in the reluctance OF the For
eign Office to put an official stamp on
any and all unofficial versions of the