Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-07-07
The Only Way Out

usually, and naturally, SLOW TO re-
ceive a hearing at Allied ears, there
now comes from the "Tageblatt" of that
city an idea which can but commend itself
to the truly thoughtful of all lands. Is
the need for world peace p>Agely . Franco
German question? Is it those countries
alone who suffer from the depression, the
uncertainty, the anxiety and fear, of which
the Ruhr deadlock is the occasion rather
than the cause? cit seems to me-" an
swers the "Tageblatt" writer "that as long
as peace is treated only as an issue be-
tween Germany and France, there is lit
tie probability OF clearing the pernicious
atmosphere. The financial recovery of
France itself is not a matter which con-
Germs only France and Germany; many
other powers are interested which are in
a much better condition than either. The
great illusion that the present crisis can
be changed by German offer, without
the cooperation of all interests, is causing
and is running the lives of countless peo-
pie. Where are the statesmen who have
what destiny has laid upon them as a
personal duty?
1t we'll may be, as cynical diplomacy at
once will infer, that this is bid for Brit
ish and American intervention; perhaps
so, perhaps not. However that may be,
the truth remains that the sole way to
basic and abiding solution lies not, as
suredly, in intervention, but certainly in
cooperation among all powers. France
would have been well warranted in resent
ing interference from Washington or from
London when she moved into the Ruhr
to take security for just debts, touching
the payment of which she could get no
sort of satisfaction. But she would have
every reason to welcome international ac-
ton that looked to the establishment of
would find recompense, rehabilitation, and
guarantees of peace in the years and
decades oncoming.
That such international action is not
impossible nor unfeasible the recent float
ing of the Austrian loan bears witness
Americas quota of that credit was many
times oyer-subscribed; so was Britain's;
so that of all other countries participant
ing. The loan would never have been eff
fected, however, had there not been
basis of confidence in Austrias capacity
and purpose to repay; nor would this con
fidence have been brought to pass with
out international co-working The recovery
of Austria, of all the war-crushed coun-
tries most miserable, dates from the time
the League of Nations came into her col
lapsing affairs to counsel and supervise
The problem of Austria yielded to, soIu-
ton so soon as it was treated as a broadly
international instead of as a merely par
ticularist issue; and in consequence the
whole world will feel relief and benefit.
The Franco-German problem will begin to
yield when 1t is treated in like spirit, no
sooner. This does not mean, necessarily,
that there should be a corresponding Ger
man loan, though some highly reputed
economists on both sides of the water have
argued as much. 1t does mean that there
must be a general recognition of the world
interests involved, and general Willingness
to cooperate for peace and Justice
Such, it seems to US, is the common
sense of the situation. But there is scant
prospect at this moment, 1t must be ac-
knowledged, of common sense prevailing
not when America is held back from even
so simple international service as en-
couragement of the permanent court of JUS
tice.