New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-26
Entrance of u. S. Causes
Change in Paris Confer
ence Decisions
Less Onerous Terms
For Central Powers
Cermany's Resources Are
Counted Upon for Re-
Mobilization Of Europe

hSHlHBAcH, NAY - IL - uHNSi-
stood that presently there will be re-
vision of sfter-war policy adopted last
year at the famous Economic Confer
ence of Paris by representatives Of the
Allied countries. The principal movers
in that enterprise were Great Britain
and France, and the purpose was 10
prepare beforehand an economic war to
follow the conclusion OF military peace.
The objects were mainly two:
First, TO erect such barriers against
German trade after the war as prac-
tically TO eliminate German-msde goods
from competition with goods made in
the Entente nations, in the great world
markets.
Second, 20 convert military ALI
ance into an economic alliance which
should last through the period Of Eu-
ropes rehabilitation and perhaps be-
yond. The order OF preference in all
things was 10 be: Allies first, friendly
neutrals second, unfriendly neutrals
third, Germany last.
Plan 10 Get Back Loans
There was a third purpose, rather
implied than expressed. That was TO
recover from the United States by
economic means the great mass of gold
which Europe had been obliged 10 ex-
change for war munitions at very high
prices.
Obviously a change in this trade
war policy became desirable when the
United States entered the conflict
France is said to be leading the de-
mand for a revision OF the principles
subscribed 10 at the Paris conference.
The Provisional Russian Government
is reported TO be aligned with France.
The changes that have been proposed
would admit the Central Powers to the
worlds trade on less onerous terms,
but, as now is recognized, the under
takings Of the Paris conference, if car
ried out literally, might actually re-
tard the reconstruction of Europe by
cutting of the Allied countries from
the enormous resources of the Central
Powers.
Purposes Of Allies
resolved: "The Allies declare them
selves agreed to conserve for the Al
lied countries before all others their
natural resources during the whole Pc
Rod Of commercial. industrial, agri-
cultural and maritime reconstruction,
and for this purpose they undertake to
establish special arrangements to facil-
itate the. interchange OF these re-
sources"
The conference went further and de-
cidcd:
an order to defend their commerce
and industry and their agriculture and
navigation against economic sggres-
sion resulting from dumping or any
other mode of unfair competition, the
Allies decide to fix by agreement a
period of time during which commerce
with the enemy powers will be sub
mitted 10 special treatment. and goods
originating from their countries will
be subjected either to prohibitions or
10 special regime Of an effective char
acter"
/. is held by officials here that the
United States could not possibly be-
come party 70 such an arrangement,
nor TO the following, also adopted b.
The Allies:
"The Allies will devise measures. to
be taken jointly or seTrally, for pre-
venting enemy subjects from exercising
in their territories certain industries
or professions which concern national
defence or economic independence"
Would Lead TO New War
II is the belief here shat such a pro-
grsmme as has been decided upon by
the Allies, if carried out. would result
in another European war within ten
years after the restoration of peace
At the same time, il is recognized here
that measures must be adopted 20 meet
the expected competition from the Cen
trial Powers. II is the opinion Of Amer
lean experts that the device selected,
however. must not be the continuance
of lineup of nations which will have
in heart hostility TO another set OF
powers, but be based upon just eco
monte principles. in order TO avoid the
necessity of powers Disseminated
against having a fresh resort TO arms
20 obtain fair treatment in the worlds
trade.
II was also asserted that the world
would have need OF Germany's re-
sources and industrial efficiency in its
task Of reconstruction. and that srti-
fetal methods employed 20 suppress
Germany would not in the end have
the effect that was intended through
the smothering process. but that the
compression would reach point where.
though possibly against her will. Ger
many would be compelled 10 declare
war anew.
II was considered probable that with
in few months another economic con-
ference Of the Allies at which the
United States is 10 be represented will
be called. when the Paris declarations
will be completely revised and new pol