New-York tribune., 1921-04-02
Only Condition Fixed by
L. 5. Is ''Fair and JUST
Decision on Sum Teu-
tons Are To Be Assessed
Berlin Must Avow
Full Guilt in War
France Asks Attitude of
America on Proposal to
Extend Occupied Zone
By Carter Field


WASHINGTON. April Most
positive assurances that the United
States is willing to see Germany
forced to acknowledge responsibility
for the war and compelled to pay to
the limit of her ability to do so have
been given Rene Viviani. former
Premier of France, by high off
Gals of the Harding Administration,
1t was learned here tonight.
A spokesman for the Administra-
ton assured group of newspaper
correspondents, within a few hours
after the Cabinet meeting adjourned
to-day, that any contention that, hav-
ing fought through the war. this
government did not Hold The posi-
ton that Germany must acknowl-
edge responsibility for the war and
pay to the limit of hcr ability to 90
so,' was absurd
The statement was roncated in
varying language three fines bv this
spokesman. The only qualification
was that the limit of Gelmany's
ability to pay must be arrived at
fairly and iestly." That was taken
by some to be the only restraint i'm
posed on the Allies.
This attitude of the Administra-
ton. which will be at once transmit
ted to the French government with
out waiting the return OF II. Vivian.
is believed by many here 10 be even
more than the distinguished French
visitor hoped to obtain.
Seeks Views on Occupation
It has been the opinion Of somo ex
perienced observers here that ono of
the most pressing quests Of Ni4i.ni
from the point OF view of time. was
20 learn what would be the probable
attitude of this country toward France
il and when the French should begin
the occupation of Germany This occu-
patton, scheduled to start May /. un-
less the German government shall in
the mean time have made some accent
able preparation about beginning the
payment of the reparations. has been
giving the French Ministry concern d.
to the effect it might have on tne
United States.
1t is pointed out that because of tire
temper of the German answers. the OBJ
jections of the British and italians to
further occupation of Germany by tae
French have been withdrawn. ALTHOUGH
the wish to avoid such coutinrencr
exists in the British and Italian gos
ernments. 1t Is said that thc chief
fear Of the French has been that some
protest might be made by this govern
ment, which might easily rouse the
quleted British and Italian objections
and make Frances position vefy
difficult
Now that the American govarnmea'
has clearly indicated its attitude. the
only disappointing feature TO the
French is that despite the vioor ana
positivcness Of the announcement, II
hcials of the administration fatty le
fused to make any formal statement n
this effect
The spokesman Of the Admiuistra.
ton quoted herein was eg~ed by the
newspaper corresp spondents to pcrmi-
lis name to be used as the author e.
the statement, but he icclnca to per
NIT even his department 10 be dos -
mated. Il his name could be used the
statement would. il is Thought here.
have the most significant effect upon
the European situation.
Germany Makes Oyertures
In this connection ii was learned un-
officially, although Official confirmation
SEa of cad -
received indirectly from the Gegmanr
making an effort 10 get this govern
ment Interested in tnc question o.
Ieparations and making some offers in
that connection 1t was also learned
unofficiaily that an answer Is bciYe
written to that reoues. and that th
answer viii be very ilscouraging e.
Berlin
All doubt as to the position Of this
government with respect 10 compe ,r-
Germany 10 acknowledge respons pilift
for the war and to mae reparation. ~
the limit Of her ability mas been swep
aside.
In this connection the Freaeh debt to
the United States, as well as the other
Allied debts, were under serious consid-
Grafton at too days Cabinet meetiag.
and II may be stated fatty that there
Is no disposition in the Administer
l!OH 10 cancer tHer- ON lNe otNr.
hand, there is no desire TO press them.
They are regarded. it was said after
the meeting. az assets Of this goSeFn-
ment. 1t was remarked that the onlv
member of the Cabinet vino is puolIc,v
to the policy of canceliing all
the inter-Allied debts. SecretarY of tie
Navy Denby, was absent from the meet
ing.
Lays Case Before Lodge
In conference OF an h al and =
half with Senator Lodge. VI. Vivian
presented the case of France IN the
broadest sense.
The conference was a confidential
one. All that is known definitely il
that NJ. Viviani presented 20 Senator
Lodge picture OF the situation in
which France sees herself to-day. with
Germany baking over reparatlons ami
France under the necessity Of main
tanning an enormous armed force i'm
order to safeguard her rights and in
terests.
NJ. viviani, it is understood did nos