Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-12-17
By ROBERT r. SMALL
Especial Correspondent Of The Tribunel
Copyright, 1922, BY Great Falls Tribune)


Washington, Dec 16.-The new role
of the United States politically, in the
affairs of Europe, is to be that of me-
diator.
The statement from the White
House that President Harding feels
the United States no longer can be
inactive in the affairs of the world
has completely changed the aspect Of
American foreign relations in the last
few hours. The country at large, even
Washington itself, has been shown to
grasp the full import of the very in
formal intimations which have been al
lowed to percolate through the White
House walls To all intents and pur-
poses. American isolation is at an end.
Not that there is to be q rush to tie
this country up in foreign entangle-
ments but there is TO be henceforth a
recognition of the influence this coun-
try can play and is expected to play in
helping to untagle the woeful condition
of affairs on the continent of Europe.
President Harding was led to adopt
the new policy of interest in Europe
by confidential reports of the extreme
ly serious condition of the relations be-
tween France and England. Succeed
ing conferences have failed to bring the
two countries anywhere near an agree
ment. Instead they have been drifting
steadily apart.
With France and England at logger
heads, President Harding and the mem
bers of his cabinet have come to the
conclusion that conditions in Europe
must go from bad to worse. There
must be an agreement between these
two nations if Europe is to get back on
her feet. There must be an agreement
II Germany is to be restored to the
society of nations and make proper
restitution of the damages of war.
The United States will undertake to
tend its friendly offices and act as UNI
pire between France and England or if
the word umpire be too harsh term
for delicate diplomatic mission, then
the United States will act as best
friend and adviser" to the two quar-
reling nations
The United States also will endeavor
to bring about some sort of recogni-
ton of agreement between France and
Germany on the subject of reparations
1t is fully realized here that no ma
ton other than the United States can
hope TO effect satisfactory settlement
Of affairs in Europe. If England and
France should proceed to an open
break and France should virtually re-
the seizure of the Ruhr valley or other
additional territory, the situation in
Europe not only would be hopeless but
the entire world would be once more
aflame.
England Feels Unsafe
England feels that her life blood is
being sapped by the chaotic conditions
IN Europe and her failure to bring
France to reasonable attitude toward
Germany. British industries virtually
are at standstill. France, by demand
ing too much, is getting nothing from
Germany Germany. knowing she can
not pay the billions of gold marks de-
manded Of her, does nothing These
drifting conditions in Europe are af-
fectlng American commerce vitally.
Europe is in condition where she
scarcely knows what tomorrow will
bring. In such circumstances, foreign
trade is almost out of the question
Advices received in Washington frank
~ say that the feeling in England
against France goes to the point where
in the event of a further break Or fur
ther misunderstanding between the two
countries, England will ally herself
with Germany and cast loose from
France entirely.
Such an upset in Europe would un-
2."niiiH' tbt eHtiFe WOTIu ana the
United States in the belief that peace
and good order can come only through
complete understanding among
France, Great Britain and Germany
and is about to endeavor to bring
that understanding about
Sentiment For GERMANY
The drift of sentiment in England is
all toward Germany. The trade be-
~ Iof AZ
war was enormous. England is miss
ing that trade now. and she blames
France for the failure to bring about
something approaching pre-war condi-
tions.
America s interest in France will nor
go to the extent of the requested
treaty guaranteeing her from attack.
Even England would not give France
such treaty now, and there is abso-
iuteiF no sentiment in this country
that would stand for such n pact. !
The administration is coming to the
behef that it is a very decided senti-
ment in this. country in favor of the
use OF our influence and good offices
IN trying TO effect q reconciliation
among the nations of Europe and to
bring about something like equilibrium
from troubled world With rsenti-
ment the United States can accom-
plish much and not obligate itself in
any way. Former Governor Cox of
Ohio. when he returned from Europe
last September, announced that the
reparations problem could not be set
tied without the help of the United
States. BY this he did not mean the !
financial help of this country, but the |
offering of our good offices as referee
and friendly adviser. Governor Cox |
said that Germany was in position !
where, she could not submit wholly to