Evening star., 1922-12-17
THREATS MAY ACHIEVE
ALL FRENCH DESIRES
British Capitulations on Debts and U. S
Loan to Germany Possible Result.
Rhineland Real Goal.

he gave intimation to Poincare that
If no other solution of the problem
could be reached England. with
mild note of protest. would tactitiy
sanction French occupation of the
Ruhr. Upon some such understand
ing may he predicated Poincares
statement that all is well and that
the allies will be in concert in case
Germany defaults. This theory is not
credited in best informed circles. in
asmuch as any such subterfuge would
lead to the bitterest resentment in
England and possibly Bonar Laws
downfall. In other words. Poincare
through threat of Ruhr customs con-
troll. which the English have at all
times feared. forced Bonar Law to
concrete. consideration of debt cam
collation. or some other guarantees
regarding Germany's payment.
See Rhineland Tenure.
But to those who followed in the
wake of the Paris peace conference
and have watched French statesmen
in various conferences in Europe in
regard to the German reparations
promlems even more far-reaching
purpose is seen in the French threat
that the binding of the worlds eyes
TO constantly increasing effort to
strengthen French control of the
Rhineland. Lloyd Georges charge
that the French chauvinists have
plotted to perpetuate French infiu-
ence in the Rhineland in spite of its
typicaily German character and in
spite of the fact that il would leave
another Alsace-Lorraine question to
be the cause of future wars. is not
now. To every one acquainted with
European political policies it is old.
Lloyd George merely has shed further
light on an extremely embarrassing
question. In the Paris peace con-
ference the permanent occupation of
the Rhineland was not broached Off
cially. but it is known that there
was jubilat ton in French circles when
the clause giving the French fifteen
years control was inserted in the
treaty of Versailles. The French
saw perpetual occupation. Some
diplomatic agreements are not eff
fected in normal session. but most
casually. But the French have never
thought of eventually giving up the
Rhineland if private expressions of
French foreign office attaches and
well informed Frenchmen alta ched to
various Diplomatic parleys are con-
cerned- There has been no Haunting
OF purpose but the desire and intent
have made themselves apparent in
many directions.
Threat to Gain COncessiOn.
With the knowledge of this situa-
tion it is but natural that Poincare
is believed to have raised fears re-
garding French intentions in the Ruhr
in order to gain concessions in re-
gard to the Rhineland. Bonar Law
knows the Ruhr action now would
precipitate chaos. The Rhineland oc-
cupation already is effected. That is
unlikely to become an acute issue at
RI
believe that the extension of French
influence VIII GO on apace unless the
entente splits completely and there
is agreement through certain guaran-
tees that all occupied territory shall
be vacated by the allies.
Whatever French purpose. at the
moment at least they have won much
for the French ideal. Not only has
Borar Law evidenced Willingness to
make concessions of far-reaching
character in order to Stave off pre-
cipitate and dangerous action in re-
gard TO the Ruhr. but the situation
becoming critical as it has. has at
tracted the interest of the United
States. which is expected to speak
pretty plainly to both England and
France. the latter particularly. in case
any chauvanistic schemes are uShered
in during January.
There is no question but any action
by this government should have
wholesome effect. but the French al
ready have indicated that there must
be something more concrete than
mere expire sson of displeasure of this
government. if the plans to bring the
Germans to their knees through sane
tions are not carried through.
Loan Would Ease Situation.
There is no question that tremen-
dousIy large loan for Germany. float
ed in America. which would enable
the Germans to obtain a balance in
their budget and meet allied repara-
tions payments will go far i'm set
tling the situation. In fact it is be-
lieved that this would be the oil neces-
Sary to calm troubled repara tions wa
tiers. France would nave no excuse
whatever for military action. even
might be induced to lessen her mill
tary grip on western Germany under
proper pressure. France would be
paid. England might not have to con-
slider debt cancellation further and
the whole situation would approXi-
mate a stage of normality insuring
some degree of progress in the COM
ing years.
Thus Poincare by creating the pres
ent crisis. through his threat. may
gain all that France desires in the
way of reparations.
If, however. this is not accomplish ;
ed. far-reaching financial and eco
nomic chaos is certainty. The col
lapse of Germany is proceeding apace. /
But one thing can stop the French in
form. and that is solid united allied /
support against Frances proposed
sanctions against the Germans. back ed, |
and backed firmly. by American de-
mandS of tolerance.