The Washington herald., 1921-10-05

American Business Inter-
ests Desire European
Economic Settlement.
U.S.CHAMBER SAYS
WE CAN'T KEEP OUT
Report Declares This
Country "Cannot
Shirk Duty"
By ROBERT J. BENDER.

BY ROBERT J. BENDER.
An unmistakable movement is de-
veloping both in foreign capitals
and in influential business and
banking quarters of the United
States to carry the forthcoming
arms conference into a discussion
Of Europe's economic problems.
And. authorities point-out, as the
number Of invited powers is in
creased-Belgium. Holland and Port
ugal having just been added to the
list-the more certain 1t is that the
predominant European voice to be
heayd at Washington will draw the
conference into Europe's trouble
channels.
Omcials Here Deny II.
There have been repeated and in
sistent expressions by spokesmen
of the American government that
Europe's financial problems held no
place in the forthcoming conference.
At the same time there have been
equally repeated and insistent
warnings from Europe, now sup
ported by American business lead
ers, that the success of the con-
ference and the peace Of the world
must of necessity entail a solution
Of Europe's economic woes.
Doubtless" says a report of the
United States Chamber of Com
merce Just made public. at was the
realization of our moral as well as
of our financial and commercial re-
sponsibility in relieving the worlds
depressed condition that caused the
President to call the proposed con-
ference in Washington to consider
the reduction of armaments"
Cannot Keep Out.
Tho report issued by the cha
ber and made by its special COIN
mittee just back from an extended
trip through European countries. is
highly significant In its findings.
The United States cannot refrain
from active participation in the set
Element of economic and financial
difficulties confronting the world.
says the report "A chief obstacle
to a return to normal condition.
throughout the world is found In tht
armed conflicts in progress and the
continued threat of renewed clashes
Business will not resume its for
ward movement until the menace OF
recurring warfare is removed"
U. $. in Responsible Position.
Thus the report contends that
the United States holds a peculiarly
responsible position in the present
situation and, as a matter of eco.
nomic necessity. cannot afford tc
shirk her duty"
The danger in Europe, authori.
ties declare, still rests in the Ger
man reparations settlement. AnC
there is a possibility that this ques
tion may be abruptly thrown upoI
| the coming conference shortly aftei
| il meets.
Germany. on November 15-foul
days after the arms sessions opel
in Washington-is scheduled. 70 pa.
her second installment Of gol,
marks to the allied reparations com
mission. Information in the hand
of the American government indi
Gates. that she probably will be abl
to meet this payment. II she plead
inability, it is realized real crisi
might he preciptsted upon the con
ference at its very outset
Another Due February 1.
And even IL Germany were .abl
to meet the Novembe.' Is install
ment, there is admittedly grav
doubt among authorities here tina
she will be able to meet the thir
nstalment, due February l. 1872:
Failure to meet either of these in
f6talments would prove an extremel
serious blow to France, it is admit
| ted, and in fact to. the whole worl
economic situation.
The Chamber OF Commerce re
port, discussing at length the rep
arations problem, declares the pres
ent German government is "con
scientiously trying to meet the re
quired payments"
Faction Claims Inability.
There Is, however" says tn
committee, "an unfortunately lars
number of representative .industris
and financial interests who refuse
regard the amount OF payment ar
rived at as final. They insist on tn
inability of Germany to pay an
campaign ,persistently against gov
ernment leaders. They are sur
ported by the monarchists and mill
tarists, II these groups should Sc
fcure ascendancy, even temporarii!
and should attempt to repudiate Q
evade the reparations payments,
Is Inevitable that a crisis would de
velop which would be furthe
menace to peace.
The danger. of such an occur
renee requires that the Unite
States and the allies shall at a
/ Continued on Page Ttoo.