Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-08

Europe is expected by Americans -
find satisfaction In the departure of
the French troops from the Rhineland
area, bringing to an end the occupation
which, under the World War treaty,
might have continued for several more
years. Tributes are paid to the re-
straint that has been exhibited on both
sides and 1t is believed that this latest
event will aid advancement in European
harmony.
Calling 1t "a historic event." the SYRIA
cuse Herald declares that whether we
consider Frances military grip on the
Rhineland as an actual danger, or only
as source of international friction,
we must hail its cessation as a develop
| ment of cheering portent to the cause
OF peace security. In the light Of that
| overshadowing assurance, we need. not
| attach more than fugitive significance
either to German jubilation or to scat
tered evidences of French misgivings.
! The fact of supreme Importance is that
! potentially mischievous influence in
the relations of the two most powerful
nations of the European continent has
been obliterated."
That evacuation. Of the Rhineland sis
| great step forward in placing
Germany again on an equal footing
among the nations of Europe" is the
belief of the st. Louis Post Dispatch,
which says as to its importance: ut
follows closely upon return to Germany
of control over the Reichsbank and the
German railroads, of disarmament of
the Preparations Commission and fix
ing OF indemnities on a sound basis by
the Young. plan. With budgetary re-
form, it is hoped the Reich will be able
to meet its payments regularly. Efforts
for a solid understanding between
France and Germany now have a good
chance of success, and Europe Is that
much nearer a state Of peaceful
| stability"
1.-THE whole situation, even when 1t
was best handled" according to the
| Chicago Daily Tribune, was full of
dangers to the future peace of Europe.
If the position of the two countries to
each other in relation to population,
and thus in relation to future military
strength had been reversed, there would
waited by the fact that the larger
country was occupied by the forces of
the smaller. With the occupation ended,
another period of recovery is begun
| The war in it's broadcast sense is not
over yet. It's settlements have not been
made. The psychology of its after
effects has not been determined or re-
vealed. When Germany no longer is
supporting French troops. expectations
with which Europe may look to the
future should be better defined"
With the exception of the Saar coal
district, placed under allied exploitation
for the specific purpose of making good
the avoidable wrecking of coal mines
on the other side of the border" states
the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, "the Reich
becomes sovereign over all the territory
within It's present borders. The benefits
| to the nations on the other side are
less obvious but equally valid. They
| gain liberation from certain disadvan-
tages. For one thing they escape the
need to maintain an irritating display
of flags and arms on alien territory.
They gain the hope of establishing
those cordial relations with their former
opponent which should have an eco
nomic value far beyond the mere
possession, still more beyond the simple
occupation of territory. The withdrawal
of troops liberates these nations from a
temptation. So long as those troops
remained, there continued risk that
effort at political action"
THE German people of the occupied
territory had no experience upon which
to base reproach of any kind upon the
French soldiery." asserts the Charlotte
Observer, pointing out that the signing
by Germany of the reparations agree
ment brought freedom from the hated
occupation some time In advance Of the
date fixed by the Versailles treaty" but
that "Gefmany's happiness was given
full demonstration the day following
departure of the French troops by the
ringing Of church bells, closing Of