The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-21
PRESS ON FRENCH OCCUPATION

cal of the French opinion that it is neces- sary to collect reparations by force, seeing that the Germans have been making no effort to keep their pledges as to pay ments. Therefore the actual moving of troops into the area specified in the treaty as security for the separations has precipi- tated lively discussion. Comment is divided for and against the prospect of success in the undertaking. Mary editors who coun- seled against the occupation have come out in favor of the plan now that it is actually in process. Others say that the action is contrary to the treaty and an exhibit of the French militaristic spirit. Some are in- clined to believe that the French can obtain delivery of coal, while others are frankly pessimistic.
 The New York World publishes inter- views with number of eminent men, who almost uniformly condemn Frances action and say that it will react unfavorably on her in the eyes of the world. Just why this result should follow is not explained It is difficult to understand the point of view that would find excuses for Germany's fail ure to make the coal deliveries in the face of the finding of the reparations comnais- sion that Germany has voluntarily defauted in this regard Since Germanw has volun- tarily defaulted in her deliveries, what else was there for France to do, if she is deter mined that indemnities shall be collected? The charge of Senator Borah that Franco has violated the letter and the spirit of the treaty of Versailles proves very exclusively that the senator does not know the treaty, which not only provides for occupation in case of default, but prescribes the territory to be occupied. One is permitted to wonder why nobody says anything about Germanys violation of the letter and the spirit of the treaty.
 Among the newspapers that deprecate the occupation is the Nashville Banner, which says: "The argument that had Germany won should would have been as ruthless as France, is, under the circumstances, but poor one. Whatever Germany may be or might have done offers no palliation for course of rapaeity, cruelty, injustice, vim dictiveness, cupidity and remorselessness such as France is now pursuing" This criticism is evidently unjust to France, who has shown none of the qualities above at- tributed to her, but has revealed temperate regard for the safety and property of citi- zens in the Ruhr valley, and is there merely to collect the coal which Germany solemnly pledged herself to deliver, but has volun- tarily failed to deliver. There is no re- morselessness, for France has not shown a disposition to deprive Germany of the coal needed for domestic use and essential in- dustries. This view is emphasized by an editorial in the New York Times entitled French Moderation" in which it is ably argued that France intends no economic catastrophe, as shown by the slight reactions Ion the great bourses and exchanges of Flu rope and America. On top of this came the prompt demonstration that the policy of the French government while firm, was con ciliatory. In the Ruhr the French are for the present making sure that they get their due supply of coal and coke; they are not levying export taxes nor setting up customs barriers. It is reassuring to note that the beginnings are marked by a moderate spirit, and that none of the vast upheavals and conflagrations that were to attend it have yet come into sight. Even the Washington administration, hurt and grieved as it is that the French did not at once bow down to it as infallible, is now faintly trusting that France will succeed"
 Frances case is we'll set forth by the Springfield Republican, always moderate and impartial in it's judgment. The Repub- lican reviews the recent history of indem- mites and finds that France has not only failed to receive the promised sums, but that no smaller sums have been substituted which France can count on receiving land the resulting doubt is harassing. Pending the receipt of money from Germany, the French government has incurred a domestic debt of about eight billion dollars for repa- rations, and if adequate payment is not made by Germany the French investors face a heavy loss. Up to the present time only the trivial sum of thirty-five million dollars has been received on this account. .. The past has been so disappointing that it is psychologically necessary for the French to look to the future." As to the French view the Republican sympathetically states: "The devastated regions are still gaping wound i; it should not be forgotten that they included ninety per cent. of her steel production ninety-four per cent. of wool, seventy per cent. of sugar, fifty-five of electric energy and thirty-three of coal production. Across the frontier they see Germany with fields unravaged, mines unharmed, shops, in run ming order, and they cannot comprehend how Germany in four years has been able to pay so little. From their point of view the war has cost Germany but a sixth of what the French have paid for reparations, and while their