Evening star., 1945-01-21

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the formulation of a long-range pro-
gram to prevent future German ag-
gression.
The reluctance of the United States
and Great Britain to recognize the
French provisional government headed
by General Charles de Gaulle aroused
sharp resentment in French breasts
When such recognition finally was ac-
corded, new wounds we're opened by the
persistent talk of world leadership by
the Big Four, including China but ex-
Guiding France.
3 A new, revitahzed France is emerging
from. the old. 1t proudly looks forward
to world collaboration as great power,
and, as the nation that has fought
three terrible wars with the Reich
since 1870, it feels intensely it's obliga-
tion and its right to help shape the des-
tiny of Germany
Fearful that the Allies may lose sight
of the sufferings of the French at the
hands of the German, French writer's
and speakers are reminding us, a bit
feverishly but accurately, of these ap-
palling tolls:
Franco-Prussian War of 1901:
$4,000 killed, $4,000 wounded, S.
00o00o,0o0 francs reparations paid to
Germany, 100000 Alsatians and
Lorrainers taken under German rule.
World War I: 1,427 300 killed, over
100000 wounded, IS per cent of
mining, metal and textile indus
tries destroyed, 100000 houses
ruined
World War II: Military losses up
to last August Is, total of 10000
killed, 355,OOO wounded; 100000
prisoners of war, of whom 100000
are still held in Germany; civilian
losses, $4,000 killed during battle,
100000 executed or died in concen-
tration camps, an estimated 1,00O,o 900
chlldren's deaths from hunger or
disease; 100000 deported to Germany
for forced labor, 100000 deported on
racial and political grounds.
Want to Share Occupation.
While no formal French program for
postwar Germany has been made pub
lie, the general trend of Frances posi-
ton on the subject is reflected in ar
ticles appearing in French dailies and
periodicals, all of which emphasize the
price that France has paid for Ger
many's fanatical dream of world con-
quest. All of the writers make clear
Frances determination to share in the
postwar occupation of the Reich, and
particularly of the Rhineland; all agree
on the necessity of preventing German
rearmament, and most of them suggest,
as one method of doing so, the abolition
OF Prussian leadership and of the power
of the German trusts.
They project plans for the interna-
tionalization or possible annexation of
OF the highly industrialized Rhineland,
but do not advocate the radical parti-
tioning of the Reich. They favor the
decentralization of Germany, so that
Prussia will cease to WELD the predomi-
nant influence throughout the country.
Many of them urge. international con-
troll OF essential raw materials and heavy
industries for an indefinite period, and a
strengthening of the industrial capacity
OF France and other European countries
at Germany's expense. They look to a
new balance of power on the continent,
one IN which France and her continental
allies will outweigh Germany economi-
cally and politically.
Thus the French feel they are being
realistic, rather than cynical, in seek
ing to form a so-called western bloc"
of continental powers against Germany,
For the same reason, they are proud
of the pact of mutual assistance con-
cluded few weeks ago with Russia, and
are anxious to sign one with Britain.
Take Stern Tone.
- On the question of international COL
laboration," said the publication, Free
France, earlier this month, "the French
still have faith in an international
organization in which all nations re-
specting the principles of democratic
liberty would be equally represented.
But, aware of the reasons for the failure
of the League of Nations, the French
have realistic views on the problem.
In order that an international collabora-
ton be organized and kept alive, they
consider 1t necessary to establish an
effective system for maintaining secur-
tty; to that end, and In order to avoid
scattering of economic interests and
multiplication of instances of political
competition, they suggest the grouping
of countries from the same economic
and cultural zones into a federation"
The stern tone taken by French
writers on the German problem is illus
trated by the following excerpts from
French publications:
LIE Pranc-Tireur, organ of the mod
crate wing of the National Resistance
Council: 'The U. S. S. r. has demanded
millions Of German workers for the
reconstruction of devastated areas.
There Is no reason whatsoever for them
to be refused and there is every reason
for selecting them first from the Na1
party. 80 A gigantic purge will also be
carried out among those who have col
Elaborated with the Nazs. - From the
economic point of view, an agra
rian reform ousting the Junkers of
Eastern Germany and naturalization Of
major industries must be carried out.
"On the other hand, from the ter
ritorial point of view, we do not believe
that cutting up Germany would have
the results some expect. Today German
Unity is an established fact y