New-York tribune., 1922-08-11
Figaro Editor
Asserts France
May Seize Rulnr
Tells Williamstown Institute
That, Rather Than Go
Bankrupt, French Will
Occupy German Area
Needs American Help
Declares u. S. Cooperation
Would Simplify Solution
Of Europe's Profile m s
By Arthur S. Draper

SS.,
Raymond Recouly, one Of the editors
of the Paris Figaro" said to-day in his
public lecture that with American CO.
operation most Of the questions which
France and the rest of Europe find
almost impossible of solution would
become comparatively simple. Rather
than be forced into bankruptcy, the
Paris editor declared that they would
seize German property; in other words,
occupy the Ruhr Industrial area.
THAT will be, of course, bad solu-
tion of the question of reparations. y
said NJ. Recouly. mot single sane
Frenchman doubts it. But we will GER
tainiy try that solution before letting
ourselves go into bankruptcy"
1t is M. Recouly's opinion that the
public is forgetting too soon the moral
aspects of the situation. He believes
also that most Of the countries repre-
sented at the Paris peace conference
were guilty of committing mistakes
but he contends that for that yery
reason they should get together and
rectify them.
Europe Practically Bankrupt
"We have heard a great deal here
of the reconstruction of Europe" he
said. "Of course, between the exact
meaning OF reconstruction and rehabil-
itation there is certain difference
Rehabilitation means that we Euro.
peans are to some extent in the con.
dition Of people VINO have gone into
bankruptcy or are not far from going
into 1t, which, at least for some OF US
is not after all absolutely untrue.
feel That impression sometimes wher
I am taking my seat at one of the
! round tables under the chairmanship ot
Mr.. Crosby or Mr.. Cravath. I fee
when sit there by the side Of
my friend Philip Kerr that we have
been called to the bar together anc
that we are going to be civillv cross.
examined. But ] must say that il
kind, gentle and smiling cross-exami-
nation
NJ. Recouly made a strong plea fol
American collaboration, and said:
"The cooperation of the United
States might greatly help to find a
scheme to support an international loan
which would enable France to wait
until Germany is able to resume he,
payments. 1t is not only from the ma
terial and economic point of view that
the collaboration of the United States
is strongly needed, but also from the
moral point of view, which is perhaps
more important. So far as France is
concerned, l may assure you that we
are absolutely ready to do our best in
order to make possible this collabora-
ton. We are ready, if not to forgive
TO forget the past"
Headline Writer Is Factor
Just before starting for Canada on
his way to London, Lionel Curtis, of
the British Colonial Office, who had
been lecturing under the auspices of
the institute, dropped into the con-
ference on "Foreign Journalism" and
raised the point of the headline writers
part in international affairs. In mis-
opinion his responsibility is almost as
extract was read from a speech made
by Chief Justice Taft before the Lon
don Press Club this summer, as fol-
lows:
"Unfair means Of influencing public
opinion become more serious when di-
rected to international affairs, because
international matters may be more
easily and successfully misrepresented
to a people than any other. They in
volve only the stirring up of racial
prejudices, and there is nothing SO
easily accomplished Certainly we have
not lived through the war and years
that have followed it without realizing
that the great danger to the world in
respect to renewing wars is in racial
preiudices."
Mr.. Taft's London speech ended with
an expression Of hope that those who
controlled newspapers would feel it "s
sacred duty never to say anything o1
another nation that is not fully justi
fed by reasonable regard to the fact.
that have been presented to those whs
are making the comment"
Writer Must Be Independent
Another point made by Mr.. Curti.
was that the granting Of independence
to a foreign correspondent created {
feeling of confidence in the readers. H,
cited instances where correspondent,
had written articles which were not il
line with the policy of the journal arr
the newspaper had been at pains t,
point out that fact This, he said, CAV,
the readers feeling that the newspa
per was striving and willing to presen
opinions contrary to those held by th'
editor. Other speakers contended tina