San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-01-03

manufacture limited by reduced man
power. They know the German capac-
ity for production and manufacture
And they fear Germany as an economic
factor. but mostly they disbelieye the
cry that Germany cannot pay her IN
demnity in the future. The French ad-
milf that n temporary omission OF pay
ments or a moratorium may be neces-
sary. but they will not give up future
payments. They still want guarantees
against invasion when Germany Is
strong enough to invade.
Thus far the United States and Great
Britain have not been able TO offer any
plan which would satisfy the French:
The cablegrams from abroad telling OF
the proposal to France by Chancelior
Cuno of non-aggression pact WHEREBY
Germany would agree not TO invade
France and vice versa is in line WIN
American endeavor ever since IreSl-
dent Harding publicly suggested the
four-pact idea for Europe in his mess
age to Congress last month.
Question of Ratification.
But the French are reluctant to ac-
cept such a treaty at this time. Ihey
have discouraged further negotiations,
though everybody realizes revival oil
the plan may be brought about II the
| United States makes a public plea Tor
| it and promises to become party TO the
non-aggression pact as sort OF n guar
antee for the good faith of all concerned,
| Would the "irreconcilables" and the
| farm bloc in the American senate be
willing to ratify such a treaty for Eu-
Iope as they ratified in connection with
American interests in the Pacific and
Far East?
At the present stage of eyolutions on
| foreign policy the answer would be ne
gatiye. but as it becomes increasingly
apparent that the price of French con
| sent TO a world settlement is something
like American ratification of non-ag'
gression, treaty. the opinion of the Sen
ate may change. '
As for the economic problems in
! volved in Germany's capacity to pay
! the French will be more easily satisfied
on that after the stability of Europe Ii
| assured through treaties than before
They must be persuaded first that they
will be as well off if not better by
| giving up the. severe penalty clauses OF
| the Versailles treaty in exchange fol-
an American guarantee before they will
yield.
Should France remain aloof from al
| these efforts, the United States will find
herself standing with Great Britain as
| against French ACKNOWLEDGMENT of Ger.
many. This correspondent has learned
\ positively that France has been told
| America would look with disfavor on
French ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of Germany. In
any realignment of powers, Great Bri'
tain would be moved to stand beside
\ Germany and interpose her influence
against French exactions.
Would Poincare Dare This?
The moral support of the United
| States would be thrown on the side OF
| Great Britain and Germany and against
| France. Can any French ministry at
| this time take the responsibility OF
forcing such a readjustment and espe'
cially can it justify a definite estrange.
ment not only between France and
Great Britain, but also between France
and the United States?
If the fear of Germany is intense to,
| day it would be bound to be intensified
/ inside France when the moral sympathy
/ of America and Great Britain were
| publicly given to Germany.
These are the alternative and posi-
bic developments of the day in the
world cricis. Official Washington is
watching with deepest anxiety the out
come of the Paris conference and hop
ing against hope. that France will give
the world a cheerful message for 1928
that she will cooperate. with the rest
o fthe nations in a, political and econo'
L rrnin rnnnna