New-York tribune., 1922-03-22

Is still some hope in official quarters
that the recent Misunderstanding over
the payment OF the cost of maintain
ing the American troops can be cleared
I'D. and that the Stars and Stripes can
still be kept flying at the Coblenz
bridgehead, even if only a small de-
tachment Of troops remain there.
Minister of War Maginot told The
Tribune correspondent this afternoon
that he did not believe that President
Harding meant the furling of the
American flag on the Rhine. He had
been aware, he said. of the intention
Of the United States to withdraw the
bulk of the troops and plans were al
ready under way to replace them with
French forces, bat he would be
astounded If July l found not single
American on the Rhine.
Maginot said that the American
withdrawal had not been discussed at
this afternoons meeting Of the French
cabinet.
Hold L. s. Is Disgruntled
TIE French feel, despite the deniaN
Of Secretary Weeks that there was any
connection between the withdrawal OF
the troops and the misunderstanding
over the payment for maintenance OF
the Americans. that these two matters
were intimately associated. and that
the United States, disgruntled over the
Allied attitude toward its demand for
payment Of the occupation cost. is
pushing its policy OF participation
IN European affairs.
The French reaction to Americas at
tltude. as summed up unoficially is
this:
"The Withdrawal OF the Rhine forces
IS unfortunate France cannot help
feeling that her great friend, the
United States. Is ready to lose inter
est IN her. American cooperation on
The Rhine is really more important to
France than the help given by any OF
the other Allies. The effect on Ger
nan opinion must be regarded as la
Iaentablo, for il Will make the Germans
think that the United States is more
favorable to them and does not agree
with the Allied policy OF occupying the
Rhine cil the war possibilities OF
the Berlin government are satisfied.
Fear More Difficulties With Berlin
The American Withdrawal is certain
- make future Allied dealings with
Germany more difficult.
Before the misunderstanding arose,
It Is felt in France that if the United
States had decided on withdrawal this
would have been explained formally in
n note which would have announced
openly that the evacuation was not
Indicative of rupture in Allied
American policy toward Germany, and
that the United States VS. still indors-
lng Frances position that the Rhine
must be occupied till Germany makes
good the damages she did in the war
But under the present circum-
stances no such declaration has been
ba
drawal Is therefore most unfortunate.
l he popular feeling must be that the
withdrawal resulted from the Allied
stand toward the American bill for oc-
cupation costs.
After making go maly appeals to
the United States for cooperation in
European affairs France now is placed
IN the embarrassing position, as far
as the occupation Of the Rhine is CON
eerned OF host trying to hold on to
his American guest by the coat tails"
Two French Divisions to Move In
PARIS, March q (By The Associated
Press Two French divisions will re-
place the American troops on the Rhine.
It was announced to-day. This will
make total of eight French divisions
IN the occupation area.
The French army of occupation will
be under command of General Degoutte,
who has been given free hand by the
French Ministry Of War to make the
necessary arrangements to occupy the
Coblenz area which Will be vacated by
Major General Aliens troops.
General de Castelnau, chairman Of
the army commission. told the CORE
sE ondert to-day he deeply regretted the
departure of the Americans from the
Rhine. When think of those mag
nlticent khaki-clad Americans" he said.
whom had under my command in
Lorraine departing. perhaps forever,
l feel pangs of regret"