Evening star., 1922-02-12


M timental and political tides
Wv against her, France is
fighting desperately to
maintain a position. which, grounded
upon nationalisn, perilously near col
lapsed a few weeks back. Premier
Poincare realized shortly after he
stepped into the prime ministership
that he would have to modify his
policies. Washington was lesson
and the near break with Britain over
the French naval policy was another.
He finally stated that France would
participate in the Genoa conference,
and at the very moment good VIII
was again directed toward France he
announced that he would continue to
the various treaties of peace would De
undisturbed and undiscussed during
the course of the deliberations at
Genoa. This caused a reaction.
Naturally Poincare's insistence that
the Genoa parley be postponed posi-
pending solidification of allied un-
derstandings. SO that united 1ront
may be presented against Germany
and Russia, has met with cooi recep
ton on the part of England and other
allies. Though temporarily at leas. ~
may appear that the French nave
been striving for the death OF con.
ference in which they have no Sart
and would be much pleased never 70
see the Genoa parley convene. II -
nevertheless a typical example U,
French forethought that they should
insist on previous agreements.
- X x
Premier Poincare has good reason
to fear conferences with the heads OF
allied states Since the war they
have been fruitful chiefly in adopting
policies which have not been French.
French prestige. has more or less
suffered eclipse in all of the many
deliberations held between the heads
of states, and though Poincare may
feel perfectly able to paddle his own
canoe in any waters. nevertheless an
understanding between France and
Great Britain before entering the
conference will do much to prevent
French isolation and make more like
ly the realization Of French policy in
regard to Russia: as to Germany and
as to the near east, at least mlsunder-
standing may be avoided.
All of these questions have from
time to time caused il-feeling be-
tween France and England. There
has been constant difficulty in adjust
ing differences arising over questions
involving political as we'll as eco
nomic advancement of various Sec
tions of the world.
The French have very definite
policy of political alliances LOOKING
in practically all cases to the isola-
tion Of Germany. The English, though
not having scorned political intrigue,
maneuvers to the general scheme of
industrial and economic advance.
Upon advance going England Is de-
pendent. Upon advance the welfare
of Europe rests and any maneuvers
open or otherwise tending to foster
or perpetuate the spirit of armed al
lance. which, it may truthfully De
said, was largely responsible for the
great war. are frowned upon. 1t has
not been. or will it be. easy to recon-
before the Genoa conference. The
Genoa parley being largely the de-
vice of Lloyd George.it is but natural
that the French. suspecting him OF
striving at all times to isolate France.
should ask for showdown previous
know whether her political prestige
is to be advanced or suffer another
eclipse.
& ~
However. Poincare cannot be CEN
sured for his present attitude. mas
much as it means so much to France
to reconcile differences with the al
lies and enter the conference. know
ing positively that the treaty of Yer
sailles will not be forsaken and that
the French can confront and combat
the insidious devices undoubtedly
prepared by the Germans and the
Russian bolsheviks to counteract the
full effects of the treaties.
France is as suspicious of Russia
as she is Of Germany, though Russia is
not at the moment as much feared.
France has not forgotten those teem-
ing millions of peasant francs in the
form of czarist loans, and will in
sist bitterly and long, that they be
paid.
However. it cannot be understood