New-York tribune., 1921-02-03
Alterations Likely To Be
Made at London Com
ference After Consider
ing Counter Proposals
Strike Policy Being
Discussed I'm Berlin
Teuton Statesmen's Atti-
tude Causes Brussels
Farley To Be Called OFF
BY Arthur S. Draper

Copyright, 1921, New York Tribune Inc
LONDON, Feb. 2.--The attitude OF
German statesmen toward the repara-
tions program as drawn up by the
Allied premiers, although not unex-
pected, has thrown into confusion all
plans for international conferences ar
rived at in Paris. The Brussels nego-
tiations have been indefinitely post
poned, and Sigmund Bergman, head of
the German delegation in Paris, is on
his way back to Berlin Nothing can
be done now until the London confer
enee, February %, when the German
government will present counter pro-
posals on the reparation program.
Although the leaders of the Allied
governments have not the slightest in
tention now of altering their Paris de-
cis:ons, it is possible that some changes
may be worked out at the meeting the
last of this month, after the German
proposals have been considered.
Both press and private dispatches
from Berlin indicate that the German
government intends to pursue what
amounts to strike policy until it's
counter proposals are ready for presen-
tation to the Allies. DR.. Walter Simons.
German Foreign Minister, who at heart
is rather a moderate statesman, gave
the cue for the strike policy when he
told the Reichstag last night that the
Allled proposals could not be regarded
even as basis for further negotiations,
U. S. Opposition Considered
IN diplomatic circles here no mill
tary move on the part of the Allies
II preparation for the enforcement
OF the Premiersi decisions is antici-
pated at least not until after the next
conference with the Germans.
Reports from the United States i'm
dicating opposition there to the 12
per cent export tax provision in the
PremlcTs program and to the para
graph regarding loans which Germany
might desire to make in America aaye
Interested Allied leaders in London
and Paris as mach as has the news
OF t8ermany's reaction to the plan.
me British realize that no formal
settlement OF the questions can be
made until President-elect Harding
and the Senate decide on the terms
apon which they intend to make peace
WIN Germany If after peace is made
"ith 1ermany. an American banking
group should desire TO invest in Ger
ManY IL Is realized here it would be
pooi policy for the Allied delegates
tHtIhg on the PREPARATION commission
to refuse to permit the lending Of
money by this group.
similarly, the force of American on
position to the export tax is appre-
riated, and certainly the last Of This
said. Ds0'
American Bankers Opinion
W. 4. Booth, vice-president of the
Guaranty Trust Company of New
york, who now is in London. DISCUSSING
the Premiers' decisions to-day, said:
The final result of the indemnity
agreement is net yet known. One of
the points definitely established is the
Iong time basis of the pa ments The
Aries VIII not ret Immediately large
sum with which they can establish
ssfedlts. On the contrary, money will
pc Tc9ree., This will affect America,
meaning that we will have to give Eu,,
rope longer time credits, contrary to
our former policy. The stability of
domestic business depends upon the
balance of foreign trade. We can't
get trade unless we give long time pay
ment terms
Interest here now is divided among
the conference in London, February
II, at which the Near East question
will, be discussed; the reopening of
Parliament and the possibility of a
general election few months hence.
Some authorities believe that an eiec.
tion is inevitable, Others believe the
Lloyd George coalition will hold to-
Eether during the year. In any event,
tne Forthcoming session of Parliament
promises to be the liveliest since the
war.