Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-12-17
BY o


Copyright. 1922. BY Great Falls Tribunel
Paris, Dec. 16.-H is not our fault
as spectators if every time we expect
a climax we simply get an intermis-
sion. | cabled recently that an exact
estimate of the situation in Europe
was impossible until after the London
conference. Now the conference has
taken place and clarity still is the lack
ing. The only decision reached was to
adjourn until January 3. and so we
go blind from moratorium to morator-
ium. First there is the moratorium
for Germany's payments; then the
moratorium for Near Eastern peace
which drags disgrace or Lausanne;
moratorium for the mutual explain
atoms between France and England
which are absolutely for the sake Of
harmony; the moratorium for allied
Jun for our political debates in France.
The tangles on the general policy of
the Poincare cabinet, begun October
l. last, are still unfinished as I cable.
And not only is there q morartor-
ium. but complete uncertainty above
events almost upon us.
Ruhr Pledge
For weeks. ever during the London
conference. the press OF the entire
world repeated without the slightest
denial that Premier Poincare would
moi accept the occupation of Ruhr as a
pledge. The same press added that
the refusal of England to agree to
this program brought about the failure
of the conference. Yet, Poincare. re
turning to Paris, declares he never
mentioned the Ruhr and did not define
his position concerning his program
of pledges.
Then what did they discuss at Lon
don? Whence came the disagreement:
Why was it deemed necessary to add
%lourn: These unanswered questions
fill the whole atmosphere with Il fog.
This uncertainty must continue as long
as the reparation problem is treated
piecemeal, so long as it is not recog-
nized that the fact cannot be treated
%squarely from the police standpoint,
which is simply the whole question of
A~nglo-French relations.
Bonar Law undoubtedly was ready
for a general discussion, but found no
interlocutor. Moreover, 10 days before
the London conference. he wanted TO
get Poincare's views in advance, but
was refused. Even worse, despite the
semi-official deniais mentioned above.
the British premier was allowed to
believe, though not actually told, that
the key to Frances policy was the
occupation of the Ruhr valley. Every
body knows that Of all solutions pro-
posed, Anglo-Saxons dislike this the
most. IT corresponds neither to what
IS feasible nor desirable. It will GO
further and say that military occnpa-
tlons IS useless unless one draws fiscal
advantage from it. and if it is finally
decided to obtain fiscal advantages. it
IL needless TO occupy new territories.
but simply withdraw from those al
ready occupied.
Ground Explored
This ground was thoroughly explored
by the allied conference of May, 1921.
IN London and by other succeeding con-
ferences. Plenty Of basis for French
agreement with England exists.
1"t the consequences of such Il pol
Icy of reconciliation would be inculcable.
Not only would it spread like Il balm
throughout inflamed Europe, but it
would have an immediate effect upon
the relation of Europe with the United
States After the awakening of Amer
lean interest in European affairs. pro
duced indiversely by Clemenceau's cru
SADIE, it is clear that America has stood
aghast at the open discord between
France and England on the principal
questions. All Americans rightly have
thought the European situation hope
less as long ms France and England
could not" agree. Poincare has neglect
ed this fact and a new policy is needed.