New-York tribune., 1922-11-24
Boral1 and Hitchcock Crit
icize Ex-Premier i'm Dis
cussion on Floor as Urg-
ing Old MilitaristicP Policy
Friendship Only
Aim, Is Defense
Sterling Asserts French
Point of View Is 5000
Miles Nearer Danger

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23.-Criti-
cism of American policy toward Eu-
rope by Georges Clemenceau in his
speeches in New York drew fire on
the floor of the Senate to-day. In
vigorous speeches, Senators Hitch
cock and Borah replied to the former
French Premier, condemned the pol
icy of France toward Germany, ac-
cused France of Imperialism and
militarism and took the ground that
Clemenceau should explain the
course of France instead of assailing
the policy of the United States.
Senator Sterling, of South Dakota,
was the only Senator to rise in de-
fense of Clemenceau. He took the
position that France, just across the
Rhine from Germany, naturally had
different view of the German situa-
tion from the United States, three
! thousand miles away.
Senator Borah, analyzing the speeches
of Clemenceau, came to the conclusion
| that the visitor was seeking TO get the
| United States back into Europe with
money and troops for the purpose Of
aiding France in enforcing her policy
against Germany, carrying out to the
! letter the terms of the Treaty of Ver-
sailles-terms which he held were In
defensible-and thus wrecking the Ger
man nation.
Sterling Says Friendship Is Aim
Senator Sterling insisted Clemen-
ceau was not asking that the United
States send an army to Europe.
He wants to be assured" said Sena-
tor Sterling, "of the friendship of
| America-that for a like cause for
which we fought before we shall be
ready to fight again. I do not believe
he came here to stir up militaristic
spirit"
! Senator Borah wanted to know what
/ Clemenceau meant by talking about
guarantees" Senator Sterling would
not admit that by guarantees" he
meant that the United States should
/ use force. Pressed by Senator Borah,
! he said he was not in favor of a treaty
to guaranty the integrity of France.
In the course of the discussion,
which lasted for about two hours, SEN
ator Borah declared that the state
and misery in Europe was due to the
course of the United States sis as un-
founded as it is ungracious." He also
/ pointed out that France was the Stun
bling block in the path of disarma-
ment both at the Washington Confer
ence and the Genoa Conference, and
that the Washington Conference naval
treaty not only had not been ratified
by France, but, according to the latest
mfr = L.
In opening Senator Hitchcock referred
to Clemenceau as "a very distinguished
trenchman" who enjoyed a wide pop
ularity. He said his purpose was not
so much to criticize Clemenceau as the
policy of France
Senator Hitchcock then read from
"The Wreck of Europe" by former
Premier Nitti of Italy. In this Nitti
referred to Clemenceau as "a tremen-
dous destroyer" who for years had
done nothing but overthrow govern
ments with a sort of obstinate feroc-
ity." He also S adino man was less
fitted to aid in bringing about peacs
at the end of war than Clemenceau
Yet France Finds Him Mild
"That," said Senator Hitchcock, "wae
the opinion of the former Prime Min
lister Of Italy in regard to this great
statesman who has come to the United
States to plead for cooperation in
present conditions. l deprecate some-
what the character of this messenger
who has come from France to ask
the United States to cooperate with
France in peace; and yet Clemeneesu
IS mild in his attitude compared with
the present governing authorities of
>. France. It has been said by our own
representative in Paris, by Mr. Baruch
and others that Clemenceau lost his
position because it was considered he
had been too mild in his treatment
of Germany.
$50 am not here to criticize this great
statesman, and what present is mere
ly criticism of the present policy of
France toward Germany, which it seems
to me must be amended before France
or any of her representatives can in
justice call upon the United States for
cooperation"
Senator Rorah sought to draw
Senator Hitchcock out on the question
whether Clemenceau desired the Unitad
States to ratify the Versailles Treaty
and return TO Europe for the purpose
of executing it. Senator Hitchcock did
not enter this field. He said as long
, as France pursued her present course
it was useless for the United States to
attempt to cooperate in bringing about
real peace in Europe
After criticising the reparatiens de-
mands of France, Senator Hitchcock
said.
"How is Germany to buy the IS
! or 80 per cent OF food which her
, people must have this winterf She can
. not pay in products and she cannot pay
in gold, The available gold in sight is
only S238 100000, and Germany cannot
! part with a dollar of that without en-
: dangering what remains of her eorn-
. mercial and financial fabric. To say
, that country afflicted like that ccGld
meet the enormous reparation de-
manded by France is utter nonsense.
, Yet the demand is made and backed by
{ the threat of military occupation. So
say that is one indication that the
policy of France Is not looking TO tha
{ maintenance OF peace, but rather to the
/ bringing about Of war
Must Keep Germany Republic
Another thing: Germany is now .
! ! republic. Bnt what is the pelicy Of
France2 Hers is the very policy which
is likely to drive Germany into the
hands of the militarists, or to dxiye her,
in desperation, into the arms OF the
Bolsheviks. If France merely desires
!. peace. the policy Of France should bs