Evening star., 1925-05-10
BY EDOUARD HERRIOT,
Former Premier of France.

HARIS Cby Cable).-Will the election Of
- Field Marshal Won Hindenburg cause
modification Of the security plans on
which France has been working for
more than two months? This question looms
up Of the most vital Importance since
the German election.
1t must be understood that reply with re.
serve The direction of foreign AFFAIRS of
France belongs now to M. Paul Painieve. In
whose enlightened wisdow the United States
may place all confidence. and to M. ArtSttde
BRAND, who, in too many .circumst4nceas has
proved his liberalism and his attachment to
peace for any one to feel the slightest anxiety
about what course he will take.
The world can have faith that both these
men will avoid all imprudent measures, and.
for my part, am fully treasured to PEE con-
fided in them to a great extent the peace, Of
Europe. ~ Ii l.sEs 49,
find myself furthermoresin no position to
pass authoritative judsrneit on the true
intentions Of Marshal won Hindenburg.
At the time OF the negotiations In London
for the accords which have regulated the irri-
tating problem of Notwithstanding the
month in which had the good fortune to
work day by day with the eminent Mr.. Kel.
logg-I became acquainted with Chancellor
Marx. He and defended with severity the
respective interests with which we were
charged, but this discussion. even though at
certain moments it became very lively. and
even though at certain hours 1t provoked the
appreciate the democratic character Of Chan
cellor Marx and the moral value of his con-
science.
Attitude of Won Hindenburg.
What does Marshal Hindenburg think?
His intimates declare publicly that he will
seek an accord between France and Germany,
accord founded on the common interests Of
the two peoples, and particularly .on rap
prochement Of the great industries of the two
countries-a union of iron and coal They add
that in the opinion Of the marshal such
Franco-German entente is the necessary
dtion to effective resistance against the
revolutionary forces. They declare finally that
Won Hindenburg would be ready to follow the
security negotiations already undertaken, and
in particular to proclaim the definite renuncia-
tion by Germany for all time Of any right to
Alsace and Lorraine.
If these declarations genuine, the
President Of the Reich should follow the exc
cution of the program for security drawn up
during the last few months.
But only the future will tell If these state
ments are sincere and if these promises can
be kept.
Chancellor Luther, before the Congress Of
Commerce and Industry, showed himself, above
all, preoccupied with the reconstruction of
the economic power Of Germany. To this
economic problem he seemed anxious to subor-
dinate the political problem. He seemed to un-
the peace Of Europe was stability. He seemed
to maintain for system Of guarantees which
would reassure Germany. well as France.
and to permit the two peoples to work in peace
at last. He pronounced moderate words.
Gains Of Reactionaries.
But here again it is impossible to say what
fate awaits the outspoken Intentions of the
chancellor. Beyond doubt the reactionary
forces Of Germany have gained power during