The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-11-23
CLEMENCEAU SPEAKS TO US

In his first formal address in America,
Clemenceau said just about what he was ex-
pected to say. He emphasized many of the
points in favor of the French policy which
are already somewhat familiar to the Amer
lean people. They have been uttered by other
spokesman for France. German mlitarists,
the former premier declard, are preparing
for another war. Obviously, France will be
the principal object of German hatred, and
she wants the United States, Great Britain
and France to stand together, as they did
during the World war, and by presenting a
united front discourage militarism across the
Rhine.\
Unquestionably there is deep-seated re-
sentiment in Germany. 1t is the natural re-
suit of her defeat. Neither is it surprising
that proud people who have been humbled
by their adversares cherish dreams of ulti-
mate revenge. That was to be expected, but
French statesmen have not been able so far
to- convince either Great Britain or America
that the danger from this source is as inn
mediate or as great as they have tried to
make it appear Germany is in no position
now to start another war, and will not be for
q
man power, she may even have concealed
military supplies, as the French charge, but
she still stands alone and is on the verge of
economic collapse. The conditions that
caused Germanys defeat still exist, and they
are far worse than they were in 1918. The
problems of Europe must be worked out on
a basis that will give Germany her rightful
place in the comfy of nations, but no more
and no less than she deserves. Regardless of
animosites aroused by the war, Germany
must be given fair chance There is no
other practical solution. Europe cannot be
rehabiitated as long Germany continues
in turmoil. While wrangling over repa-
rations France may have somewhat lost sight
of the larger good. Had this problem been
settled quickly and equitably billions of dol
lars that have been lost to trade and indus
try would have been saved an amount far
exceeding the total of the proposed repara-
tions.
Clemenceau, like most of his fellow coun-
trymen, seems unable to put aside the idea OF
war. He sees in the rapproachment of the
Turks and soviet Russia another menace to
the peace of Europe and declares that Ger
man militarists are planning to overthrow
the German republic. Both of these factors
should be taken into consideration, of course
but neither appears to be of serious import
at present.
1t isn't likely that Ludendorff and other
monarchists will be able to destroy Ger
manys democratic government, but even
if they did they would not be strong enough
to attack France. The accord between the
Turkish nationalists and soviet Russia is inst
another result of Europes laundering dipio-
macy. They were treated as outcasts and
self-interest drew them together. The dam
ger of a Russo Turkish alliance can be min
imized at the Lausanne conference if it deals
justly with all the nations concerned, and its
decisions are such as to eliminate friction
in the Near East that might lead to future
hostiities. Unfortunately, selfishness rather
than justice and a genuine desire to promote
peace, have characterized the conferences
held in Europe since the World war.
1t is evidently the purpose of Clemenceau
to create a closer understanding between
France, America and Great Britain, largely
in the interests of France. 1t is true, as he
says, that sooner or later America will have
to interest herself in the postwar problems,
because this country cannot prosper with Eu-
rope bankrupt and torn by dissenson. Some
of his criticism of America is deserved. We
helped to impose the terms of peace of Ver-
sailles, but thanks to the "irreconcilables" of
the Senate, we have not fulfilled our obliga-
tions to cooperate with the allies in their
enforcement.