Swiss Press Comment
Title
Swiss Press Comment
Creator
Committee on Public Information
Identifier
WWP15639
Date
1919 January 28
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
NOT FOR PUBLICATION
SWISS PRESS COMMENT
NUMBER 12
CABLE RADIO DIVISION
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC INFORMATION
PARIS
-----------
The GENEVA FEUILLE says Wilson speaks perhaps too much of a continuous flood of phrases, mostly prudent, courageous and sensible, but at the same time malicious, always on his fourteen points, taking care, like a good lawyer, not to compromise himself in any way. But his work has resulted in revealing the purposes of various governments; the masks are falling and people see better the ultimate purpose of their masters. This is to Wilson’s credit. Wilson has the power and the will to clear most obstacles from the earth of socialism, but not all. Wilson’s word is not a universal panacea, but as his intervention may bring about the betterment of human conditions, it would be illogical to hamper him by too bitter criticism.
The Neuchatel Suissee Liberale says Wilson has not Socialist tendencies; he is a democrat, and his policy is at the same time popular and authoritztive, but essentia,lly democratic and never destructive. Wilson cannot be enslaved by any party.
The FREISCHUETZ (Jan. 15) says: “The Entente is in a hurry to conclude peace. England is experiencing the influence of the revolution in Russia and Germany and has renounced the intention of invading Russia, on account of the social movement in its own country.
American papers point out the contrast between the will to power of Clemenceau and the will of Wilson. Wilson will have to use all his powerful will in order to establish a peace of right against an Entente peace of might. The Bolshevik spectre will have a very beneficial influence upon the peace negotiations for a peace of justice, as there is only one alternative - a peace of justice or world-wide revolution.”
The VERSOEHNUNG (Jan. 18). In an article “Can the Wilson Programme serve as the Basis of Peace?” Augustin Hamon, Professor at the Paris “College Libre des Sciences Sociales,” states that if peace does not rest on this basis, then the hatred between nations will be perpetuated. The practical development of the situation has borne out this statement. Peace must rest upon the basis of Wilson’s viewpoints. It cannot be otherwise, in spite of many a European government, many a diplomat, many a capitalist, many a military authority. The fact is that all the nations of Europe, their working men, their peasants and their middle classes, stand behind Wilson. He holds the rare and doubtful privilege of representing the Democracy of all the nations of the wor,ld, and therefore he knows his moral power is superior ro every other power. It should be added that the Republic of the United States at the same time represents the Republics of Central and South America (he has known with rare political ability, how to influence these to march with him), and these Republics provicde the sources of the raw materials so much needed by Europeans, and the sourse of their profits. The great American fleet and the unlimited military power of this nation is thrown into the balance.
In addition to his enormous moral supremacy, Wilson has therefore material (economic, financial and human) power, which is not less considerable. Under these conditions it is pitiable to see the Anglo-French leaders - real Pygmies as against the giant Wilson - fighting their fight against him. They are so surely doomed to defeat that gradually they have to give in on every point. But as they do not possess Wilson’s honesty, they attempt to destroy their former decisions by failing to show good faith in carrying them out. This is a childish game, which is not without danger, as it may happen that the people are less patient than a wise man like Wilson. He can afford to laugh at their vain endeavors to prevent the inevitable.”
### ###
SWISS PRESS COMMENT
NUMBER 12
CABLE RADIO DIVISION
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC INFORMATION
PARIS
-----------
The GENEVA FEUILLE says Wilson speaks perhaps too much of a continuous flood of phrases, mostly prudent, courageous and sensible, but at the same time malicious, always on his fourteen points, taking care, like a good lawyer, not to compromise himself in any way. But his work has resulted in revealing the purposes of various governments; the masks are falling and people see better the ultimate purpose of their masters. This is to Wilson’s credit. Wilson has the power and the will to clear most obstacles from the earth of socialism, but not all. Wilson’s word is not a universal panacea, but as his intervention may bring about the betterment of human conditions, it would be illogical to hamper him by too bitter criticism.
The Neuchatel Suissee Liberale says Wilson has not Socialist tendencies; he is a democrat, and his policy is at the same time popular and authoritztive, but essentia,lly democratic and never destructive. Wilson cannot be enslaved by any party.
The FREISCHUETZ (Jan. 15) says: “The Entente is in a hurry to conclude peace. England is experiencing the influence of the revolution in Russia and Germany and has renounced the intention of invading Russia, on account of the social movement in its own country.
American papers point out the contrast between the will to power of Clemenceau and the will of Wilson. Wilson will have to use all his powerful will in order to establish a peace of right against an Entente peace of might. The Bolshevik spectre will have a very beneficial influence upon the peace negotiations for a peace of justice, as there is only one alternative - a peace of justice or world-wide revolution.”
The VERSOEHNUNG (Jan. 18). In an article “Can the Wilson Programme serve as the Basis of Peace?” Augustin Hamon, Professor at the Paris “College Libre des Sciences Sociales,” states that if peace does not rest on this basis, then the hatred between nations will be perpetuated. The practical development of the situation has borne out this statement. Peace must rest upon the basis of Wilson’s viewpoints. It cannot be otherwise, in spite of many a European government, many a diplomat, many a capitalist, many a military authority. The fact is that all the nations of Europe, their working men, their peasants and their middle classes, stand behind Wilson. He holds the rare and doubtful privilege of representing the Democracy of all the nations of the wor,ld, and therefore he knows his moral power is superior ro every other power. It should be added that the Republic of the United States at the same time represents the Republics of Central and South America (he has known with rare political ability, how to influence these to march with him), and these Republics provicde the sources of the raw materials so much needed by Europeans, and the sourse of their profits. The great American fleet and the unlimited military power of this nation is thrown into the balance.
In addition to his enormous moral supremacy, Wilson has therefore material (economic, financial and human) power, which is not less considerable. Under these conditions it is pitiable to see the Anglo-French leaders - real Pygmies as against the giant Wilson - fighting their fight against him. They are so surely doomed to defeat that gradually they have to give in on every point. But as they do not possess Wilson’s honesty, they attempt to destroy their former decisions by failing to show good faith in carrying them out. This is a childish game, which is not without danger, as it may happen that the people are less patient than a wise man like Wilson. He can afford to laugh at their vain endeavors to prevent the inevitable.”
### ###
Files
Collection
Citation
Committee on Public Information, “Swiss Press Comment,” 1919 January 28, WWP15639, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.