Evening star., 1922-01-01
BY OLIVER OWEN KUHN.

w YHEN a nation aspires to
NN/ broad political dominion.
" " in so far as it's wishes are
stamped upon other ma
tions. that nation must have the
power to back weaker countries
which rely upon it. To gain the need
ed respect in European circles the ma
tion which seeks to successfully dis
seminate its political theories into
the far corners must have ways ana
means of perpetuating such alliances
and agreements as may be entered
into. Most certainly any move placing
an aspiring nation in the role OF
second or third-rate power. while It's
immediate neighbOrs are LETT TO
dominate the seas and by so doing
dominate the land, is not conducive
TO advancement of prestige and
political interests.
In this lies the cruX of the bit
ter enmity which appears to have
flared forth again between France
and Great Britain over the ques-
tiou of submarine tonnage. the pre-
dominant issue of the Washington
conference on limitation of armament
during the past week. For France
cannot consent to be placed in any
role which does not insure France 8
high position with many of the small
and agreements have been effected
and upon which the French foreign
office stakes its dreams of dominating
the continent.
Unquestionably. should France con-
sent to any proposition which would
tend to undermine her ability to go
to the assistance of any of her
smaller neighbors and friends in
Europe at any time she would be
undermining the so-cailed imperial
Il N,tN frT.El
office. Dove-tailed agreements with
Poland, with Romania with Jugo-
slavia and even the Turks might
suffer eclipse, as these countries
would turn unqueStionably toward
stronger nations. ones more in posi-
tion to defend their lives and liber-
ties in case of undue aggression on
the part of hated neiEhbors or jeal-
Gus rivals.
Since the Paris peace conference
ended French foreign office emissaries
have gone to the far corners of the
continent spreading Francophile doe
trines and pledGing many things in
return for the friendship of these
lesser states. all of whom might be
considered oStenSible enemies OF a
new and stronger Germany. But tear
of Germany alone has not Influenced
the situation. In the maneuverings
that have been carried on there ever
has been the thought that the French
government once more is to be the
chief voice in dominating European
policies.
Defensive in character as may have
been the various agreements. there
nevertheless has been an eye single
to the development of French COM
merce and trade and the domination
of small nations in such fashion as
to protect French interests at any
and all times.
Foreign office attaches in Paris had
jestingly admitted that while the
world talks peace platitudes the
French have effected international
agreements with several of the small
nations which insure peace to France
They have not stated. however, that
some of these nations whlch nave
been lined up with France VIII in
the course of events be used as
pawns in the perpetuation OF French
eXpansionist schemes. But that is
the viewpoint held in those other
European capitals.
The old balance-of-power idea has
not been forsaken by France. II is
The very motif of negotiations which
has gone forward apace with sew
eraI countries and it is the motif OF
all protestations against any ana
whatsoever attempts to relegate the
military and naval power or France
to a point where they Will cease TO
be respected in the smaller nations
of Europe.
* x *
AS a result of these a11iances-for
they are all alliances-there is slowly
crystalizing definite blocs OF nations:
The estrangement of England ana
France would be direct and forceful
impetus toward realization of new
alignments. Up to the moment. the
differences that have existed between
France and England have been IN
large measure nationalist in char
acter-in other words. these dlfer-
ences have arisen through conflict or
strictly nationaliStic aims and puf-
poses. misunderstanding of motives
has figured largely in the heated
words that have been passed over
counsel tables. But in case the
French remain firm for both a large
navy and army and they refuse to
listen TO advice in the readJustment
of reparations. which will lead to an
other sharp fight. Europe undoubted-
ly will see disinitgration OF the pres,
ent entente and in its stead there VIII
he two great groups of nations with
ideals and desires radically separat-
ed and, with eventualitles through
the years, matter of grave con-
lecture.