Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1923-01-26
WASHINGTON SEES /
DANGER AHEAD
Venture May Be Forced Beyond
Original Plan
MAY SET EUROPE AFIRE
Y. S. To Take No Part-Hushes Has
Given Authority To 6oyden
To Propose
Plan.
MAY SET EUROPE AFIRE

~'"~'f feAN'teff@y ~ @oyt
To Propose
Plan.
Washington. - Anxiety over the
European situation precipitated by
the reparations crisis and the French
occupation of the Ruhr was more
apparent in Administration circles
Monday than any time since the fail-
ure Of the Conference of Premiers
in Paris to reach an agreement. .
Detailed reports Of the actual sit
uation in the occupied area we're
lacking, but such official communi-
cations as had reached the State De-
partment from Berlin and Paris bore
out press reports OF increasing ten
sion and condition of affairs alto
gether full of explosive elements.
1t cannot be said that the attitude
of non-co-operation decided on by
the German Government ard exempli-
fed in the refusal Of the mineowners
in the Ruhr to sell coal to France
or Belgium, came as a surprise to
sss.s q. 4: y s stated stated s:it
from the time it became apparent
that France would adopt coercive tao
tics. officials of this Government felt
certain that German opposition would
go much beyond passive resistance
and assume the form OF positive re-
taliation.
Not only was this view held by
President Harding and his advisers,
but there is reason to believe that
every move made by the United
States had a view to the avoiding
of such contingency as is now ac-
tually in progress. The chief appre-
hension here related to the possi-
bility that the policy of reprisals in
answer to the French program OF
penalties and guarantees would lead
Frances military venture in Ger
many much further than Premier
Poincare or the Reparations Commits
sion, which supported him, imagined
when the policy Of coercion was
adopted.
1t is not only the situation in the
Ruhr itself. but the indications that
the growing Industrial trouble may
assume serious political. If not mill
tary aspect within the next few days
that is causing grayest apprehension
to officials of this Government in
touch with the situation.
Statements that this Government is
practically helpless for the moment
at least. were repeated by Adminis-
tration spokesman All that this Gov
ernment can do is to keep its finger
on the pulse of the situation to watch
developments from day to day. the
chief hope being that France may be-
come convinced OF the hopelessness
and futility Of her venture before mil
itary complications compel further
commitments. Reports that this Gov
ernment might appeal to the French
people were characterized as absurd
AS viewed here, the attitude Of the
Berlin Government in launching of
homeopathic policy would place on
France and Belgium a burden much
in excess Of what was originally in
tended when coercion in the interest
OF guarantees was decided on in Paris
Il puts or France responsibility for
the administration of government in
the industrial region and maintenance
of order in the very probable event
that disturbances occur as a result OF
incorporation of the mines. the short
age of food supplies and the declared
intention OF the French Government
to seize livestock and steel resources.
The French Embassy addressed a
communication to the State Depart
ment that it wonld be necessary To
use five divisions comprising $4,000
men to take part in the new move
TO insure control over the Bochum
district to which The occupation has
been extended.
No comment was made on the COM
munication which was intended to
keep this Government informed as to
the extent of military undertakings by
the French Government The view.
however. was held by American Off
cials that it is too early to estimate
commitments and that developments
up to date promise All extension Of
military control and an extension Of
the area of trouble.
Beyond keeping close watch on the
situation. no new move Of any kind is
under consideration by this Govern
ment. Any movement officials feel,
would be futile unless it is made by
France from realization that her
present course threatens trouble not
only for herself, but for Germany and
for Europe as whole.
The State Department is preparing
for the Information Of the Senate
full account of what this Government
has been doing in connection with the
work Of the Preparations Commission.
Senator Lodge saw Secretary of State
Hughes and was told that the infor-
nation was being compiled TO trans
nit to the Senate in answer to the
Robinson resolution demanding Off
cial representation of the Reparatioas
Commission and also inquiring as to
what Roland ". Boyden, the Ameri-
can observer. had been doing.