The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1921. AMERICAN ISOLATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 January 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1921. AMERICAN ISOLATION.

The decision of the United States Cabinet to withdraw from representation on the Ambassadors’ Council and the Supreme Council indicates that at last the American authorities have recognised the absurdity of being formally associated with the work of Councils in which they have not participated since 1919, except by way of an occasional protest that savored of dictation. Apparently the present policy of isolation that prevails in the United States is due to the power of the almighty dollar —a power which operated to keep the country out of the war until the Stars and Stripes were practically trampled upon and flouted by Germany. Once the war was over, a powerful section made it their business to gain political strength l?y attacking the League of Nations and doing all they could to secure America’s withdrawal from the “washing-up” process, placating the German element, and reverting to the congenial scramble for dollars to be gleaned from trade and commerce, yet’ all the while crowing: “America won the war!” The people of the British Empire, who made such colossal sacrifices iu t |>e cause of humanity, freedom and justice, keenly as they feel America’s post-war policy, give that country unstinted praise and commendation for the aid given the Allies at the later stages of the war, and would in no wise detract one iota from the value of those services, but they cannot avoid feeling that America, having helped to the achievement of victory, should not have quitted hold of the plough until the work was finished, instead of backing out and leaving the Allies to face the most difficult task of all. It is quite possible that the bulk of opinion among the Allies will coincide with the views expressed by the French journal Le Matin, which declares that America’s decision to withdraw from the Supreme Council was due to the French demand that Germany should be compelled to fulfil her pledges. If that view is incorrect, it is a significant coincidence that. America’s formal decision to withdraw should have so closely synchronised with the expression of French determination, and the strenuous .Sorts that are being made to.

secure an outlet in Germany for American goods. The fact that German propagandists in the United States are suggesting that American sympathies are with Germany cannot be ignored, so that the decision to withdraw leaves the Allies with a free hand, and in view of the trend of America’s peculiar policy, her withdrawal should be welcomed. The change of Presidents may be a factor in the decision, but' not one that carries any weight. America may have meant well—and probably did—but her influence has rather hampered than helped the Allies in securing the execution of the Versailles Treaty. There can be no question that the attitude into which the United States drifted since the signing of the Armistice has become untenable, and should have long since been ended by the step sha has now taken, but that fact does not absolve American statesmen from the charge of a manifest dereliction of duty. They have chosen a course that may be consonant with the Monroe' Doctrine. That is their affair, and they must bear the odium that attaches to selfishness. We can but feel sorry when a great country like America resorts to petty tactics, yet there need not be any resentment or animosity. The most charitable construction to be placed on the action of the United States is that the exigencies of polities overshadow the larger interests of international affairs. Without doubt France will be pleased at the turn of events, and there should now be a prospect of Germany being made to carry out her obligations. “France,” said M. Leygues, “will exact what is her duo, quietly, and with calm, unshaken firmness, and with justice to her former enemies and herself.” This policy is so sound that it should secure the support of the Allies. After all, American isolation may prove a blessing in disguise.