The New York herald., 1921-11-10

nation which came TO our assistanc,
pliance with an invitation we receiv
ference to discuss the problems that
Trance more than any other coun-
try is in position to understand the
necessity Of reaching an agreement
Of solidarity among nations. The last
thing that is in our mind is that
America should be asked to enter into
any agreement that would limit her
sovereignty. We fully recognize that
this cannot be expected OF her and
we desire to see America IN the posi-
ton of freely exercising her sovereign
rights to the very highest degree.
Solidarity Needed In World.
'At the same time we live in an in
ternational world and some kind OF
solidarity is necessary in order that
all may work in harmony.
This does not mean that France
has come to ask any promise from
America that she is unwilling 20 give.
There may have been moments when
we regretted offers made to us and
not realized. but the past Is the past
and we on our side have no intention
of reverting to things that cannot be
helped.
1.-THE attitude OF France at the confer
ence will depend very largely on the
way the questions come UP. There are
numerous things to be discussed and
among others may be the question oil
arrnaments on land France has taken
into consideration the force she con-
siders necessary for her national de-
fence Formerly it was suggested that
Frances defence might leave this 20
some other arrangement. but we are
now obliged to look after 1t ourselves.
I'VE do not ask anything from other
Powers. but II they on their side tell
us we must take care of ourselves they
must accord US the permission of doing
so in the way that seems to us best.
France could never tolerate such linz
itation of her national sovereignty as
10 permit others TO dictate TO her the
amount of armed force she should keep
for her national safety.
France Near Two Volcanoes
"It must also be remembered that
there are two kinds OF war-interna-
tional war and social war. Ever since
the armistice Frances armies have been
the armies Of social order. France is
living on a continent with two great
mt tc
other is Russia.
For the moment Germany has no
arms and cannon. but this Is her con-
dition only at the present time. AS for
Russia. she ia a great Soviet state with
immense possibilities of raising armed
forces. Ger ,any ls in the same way
eu,iipped with the industry to put an
immense army into TIE field within a
short period.
what would have happened to Europe
il the French had not stood in the way
by helping Poland and thereby pre-
vented the BolBhevik forces from unit
ing with the German? The Bolshevils
power is on the wane and no longer to
be feared. but what would have hap
nened TO Europe If France had not
taken the action she did? This should
be recognized to our credit. OF the two
volcanoes near which France Is placed.
one Is for the moment dormant and
from the other the red flames OF the
eruption only blaze out from time 10
time Nobody can declare that we
should not try TO protect ourselves from
the flowing lava.
AS TO the Pacific questions in con-
rection with which there is the problem
OF naval armaments. It Is impossible In
a short time to speak of them in detail.
Frances attitude depends largely on the
way the various questions are put AM
the proposals that are suggested Tor
their solution. These are matters
which chiefly concern America. Great
Britain and japan, though France also
has great interests In the East In
order 10 reach settlement or issues
in the Pacific some kind OF agreement
viii, he necessary and France will place
all her support behind the EFFORTS whtch
lead toward peace.
"F'rance does not hold that this con-
ference will finally establish peace. II
may make step in this direction by
an agreement pointing 10 international
solidarity. but France has no illusions
about bringing about the peace OF the
world in a moment.
Can Avoid Grave Dangers.
I'VE see that very grave dangers lie
on the path. but there IL always the
OF avoiding these by frank
have now attended many
conferences and before
some OF them II was said the difficulties
were so great as 10 make rupture cer-
tain. Well the rupture never occurred
and II is an established fact that when
you sit around a table and discuss aues-
tions frankly. looking ono another IN
the eye, difficulties have way Of
Therefore all honor Is due
TO President Harding for taking the
initiative In calling a conference.
Financial matters are not on the
agenda for discussion and II they are
brought up II must be with the unani-
NOUS consent OF all parties present