Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-10-10
GERMAN ACTIONS
UNITE ALL FRANCE
Teutonic Destruction Is Pre-.
dicted If Way Of War
Is Chosen. $

~ Radio to The Star.
PARIS, France, October 1o.-Tota
destruction for Germany was predicted
BY Paul Painleve in yesterdays lie Matin
Il the German people in the present
crisis choose the way of war rather
than that Of peace. M. Painleve
former premier and noted pacifist Is
an ardent friend of the Franco German
and one Of the leaders of the French
liberal parties.
His warning Is interpreted to mean
that the whole Of France Is galvanized
by the recent events in Germany and
stands completely united to resist at
any cost movements and tendencies in
Central Europe making for a trans
ago into q victory, whether by mere
threats and swashbuckling or by actual
hostilities.
France Transformed.
This transformation of French
psychology In the last few months from
one Of easygoing concessions to tense
any determined vigilance Is widely
considered as a political event of vast
Importance. one which doubtless is
destined to play leading role in in
ternational affairs for some months,
perhaps years, to come. It means, or
seems to mean, that France and the
French group Of powers, as long as the
present tension continues, will not only
consent to no further disarmament.
but will presumably proceed to
strengthen their own defenses and
ornaments In all possible ways.
M. Painleves pronouncement follows
two other similar, though more care
fully yelled, warnings within the last
few days, first from Premier Andre
Tardieu In q political speech, and Sec
ond from Foreign Minister Aristide
BRAND in q speech at Geneva.
After emphasizing his admiration for
German science, art and industry, M.
Painleve recalls how the allies IL years
ago were absolute masters Of Germany's
fate and could have broken 1t apart.
Out Of respect for the new German re-
public they chose not to do so, fondly
believing that with the fight Of the
Kaiser they could count henceforth on
the cooperation Of the German peo-
pie In the cause Of peace and democracy
and that the nightmare Of As years
Of German threats was finally ended.
France itself, M. Painleve, insists,
took the lead In this generous policy,
inviting Germany back into the concert
Of powers and evacuating the Rhine
land five years before the treaty date
Moreover, every time in recent years
that Germany needed help to get 1t
through some dificulty. France and her
allies always generously responded.
Leaders Of opinion In France, as in
most other allied countries, wanted to
forget hatreds and encourage the Ger
man republic.
Germany ct Crossroads.
'what II the stupefaction, not to say
indignation, Of these generous spirits
when they now see millions Of Ger
mans spplauding the sanguinary vocif-
erations Of q play actor without coun-
try who aspires to the place left vacant
by the fallen Kaiser" NJ. Painleve asks,
land when from Coblenz, just evac-
uated. come to US the insulting choruses
Of new Watch on the Rhine when
nobody Is menacing the Rhine?"
What would have happened, he asked,
II, when the Germans evacuated France
after the Franco-prussian War 100, 900 |
French had Immediately paraded at
Nancy, shouting insulting threats
against the German Empire?
He concludes, Germany Is at the
crossroads. II she takes the wrong
turning It win certainly be q misfortune
for Europe. But above all 1t win be q
disaster for Germany itself, which win
succumb In chaos of suffering and
misery. She win have chosen the road
which leads to the abyss"
(Copyright, 1900