Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-08-09
TREND SHOWN In FRANCE
FOR ACCORD WITH REICH
Change in Viewpoint Influenced by
Hoover Moratorium Plan and
International Conferences.

I The Nationalist view now is that II
England and America would cease in
| terfertng in Franco-German relations
! the two historic enemies could quickly
settle their difficulties. The reproach
Is uttered that each time the French
Anglo-Saxon nations rush forward to
! protect Germany from the temptation
| to fall under French influenee-all of
| which. 1t, is asserted, simply encourages
| the Hitlerites and Communists to In
| tensify their anti-French campaign in
! Germany and scares the German gov
eminent out of conciliatory mood.
French Are Slaves to Formulas.
The Hoover moratorium plan pos
sibly came as the determining factor
in modifying peculiar French trait.
This trait is to attach more Importance
to formulas than to realities, an aspect
of the national character which ex-
plains much that to the foreigner
seems so inexplicable and in particular
many of the actions Of French d.
plomacy. The Hoover proposal seems
to be bringing about a change.
The French Parliament is on vaca-
ton until the Fall. Senators and dep
uties are in their constituencies max
ing speeches. They would prefer re-
Taxing at some seashore or mountain
resort, but this year 1t is imperative
that they should mix with the cleo
torate for there are to be general cleo
tons next Spring.
Consequently there is much political
talk at the moment. Inevitably such
talk frequently touches on foreign al
fairs. The burden of the speech In
such cases is. Why do we so often seem
to be isolated? How is it that 1t is SC
difficult to make our friends appreciate
sions special reference is made to the
Franco-American negotiations, that fol-
lowed President Hoover's move.
Among the speakers some are given
to introspection and analysis Of the ma
tional temperament, and they are COM
ing to the conclusion that in the case
of many problems the traditional French
angle of attack Is a first cause OF mis-
understanding.
Follow Eighteenth Century Leaders.
The social philosophy of the eight
zenith century has left such an impress
on French minds that Jean jacques
Rousseau and the other leaders of that
time continue to be looked upon as
guides, regardless of the changes that
have come to the world in two centuries.
This explains for one thing why the
French Parliament has many doctrinaire
orators and few debaters, and for an
other why 1t Is always possible to sway
French assemblies by impassioned APP
peals to abstract ideals.
The same influences are to be traced
in educational programs with a conse-
quent insistence on words and formulas
and Astounding faith in texts. In word,
uments as intangible, regardless of the
contingencies of life.
In these conditions the Hoover pro-
posal came as shock. Forthwith docu-
nsents were scanned and quoted. In the
negotiations the entire efforts of the
French delegation were devoted to max
ing the new propositions concord with
the Young plan and the treaties, not so
much in fact as in form. This was done
because French opinion, q slave to words
and formulas would not have under
stood any other course.
The moratorium today is accepted by
French political leaders as the prelude
to notifications Of other texts Their
acceptance OF the situation is tinged
with regret, but they understand that
circumstances alter cases and therefore
must alter words. 1t win take time to
make the mass Of the citizens appre-
ciate the point. but President Hoover's
document sWns the entering wedge.
tCopyrisht. iesi.l