New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1922-07-31
France Needs
Aid of u. s..
Says Editor
Recouly, to Lecture Before
Institute of Politics,
Declares His Country
Faces Tragic Situation
Great Sum Expended
Settlement of Reparation
Problems Is Fundamental
Need of Europe To-day
By Arthur S.. Draper

In the opinion of Raymond Recouly,
one Of the editors of the Figaro
who has come here to deliver series
of lectures before the InstiSute of
Politics on various subjects. of inter
est to France, there is a growing feel
ing in his country that there must be
the closest collaboration between the
governments of England and France
in the settlement of the problems of
German PREPARATIONS and inter-AAied
war debts.
Our talk this morning began with a
question as to his view Of Premier
Lloyd Georges speech at the National
Free Church Council in London, wacn
the English statesman declared that
the churches must act to prevent a
new war which would be infinitely
worse than the last.
81 don't think the situation so
alarming as Mr.. Lloyd George pictures
it," said M. Recouly. "He evidently
had the recent Russo German treaty
in mind when he made the speech.
Nobody can tell whether the party of
the Left or that Of the Right will win
in Germany. I think that democratic
Germany is absolutely sincere, but
then we must remember that the peo-
pie are not accustomed to the working
Of the republican form Of governme nt.
In political opposition to the great
masses of the city workers and most
nf "a 90 ~ yx,yn r.
the host of former officers, who no
longer hold remunerative positions
and the university students, who are
overwhelmingly royalist.
France Working Hard
II deny that France is imperialistic
or militaristic, and proof Of that is
reduced our war budget from 5,000,-
100000 to 100000, 900 francs. France
is working hard and making much
progress in the task of reconstructing
the regions deliberately destroyed by
the Germans in the hope of paralyzing
French industries for century to
come. We are, however, faced with a
tragic situation. If we go on borrow
ing to pay for this work of reconstruc-
ton we shall soon reach the point
when it will be no longer possible for
US to get money. We have already
expended $4,000, 100000 on this work
and there is still four or five years
work before u.s."
NJ. Recouly stated that Lloyd George
was one of Frances best friends, re-
calling his initiative in March, 1918, in
suggesting the unity Of command which
led to the selection of Foch as the
commander-in-ch of the Allied
armies on the western front. "Tnere
must be close cooperation between
France and England on both the ques-
ton Of German reparations and the
problem of settling inter-Allied debts,
he said. eff France agrees to reduce
her reparation claims then England
and America should agree to make
proportionate reduction of their wal
debts owed by France. Otherwise
France would be in the position of q
victor penalized because she had won
The settlemen of th&se two questions
is the fundam entail problem of Euro
pean reconstruction to-day. 1t Affects
all economic and political questions"
Industries Strong
There was no doubt in M. .Recouly's
mind Of Germany's ability to pay
substantial part of the claims on her
and he contended that it was the mora
duty of France to make her pay fo,
the destruction she did in the war
He thought also that the German gov
eminent should have prevented the
expectation of German capital in the
form of securities. His travels in Ger
many convinced him, he said, that Ger
man industries were in q strong po
sition and that Germany's potentia
power was practically unimpaired BY
the war.
"If Germany became bankrupt what
do you think would be the effect or
the other European states?" ! asked
81 think it would be very bad in,
deed" he replied. "We must prevent
it at all costs"
M, Recouly gave me the impression