New-York tribune., 1921-10-05
Determined to Block ANY
Attempt by Britain or
France to Bring Issue
Before Farley on Arms
Proposes Congress
Stay i'm Session
Secretary Hu ghes Invites
Holland, Belgium, Pcr-
tugal TO Far East Mecting

FROM tn" 7ribNne's Washington Rureou
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4-President
Harding to-day tcos steps to prevent
the question of the cancellation of
Allied war debts to the United States
from coming up at the November Con-
ference on Limitation of Armaments
and Far Eastern questions. In view Of
the Presidents sponsorship of the par
ley it is now believed that he will block
effectually any attempt by the Allies to
have the subject of debts settled or
even seriously considered at this meet
ing.
For several weeks The conviction has
been growing in Great Britain and
France that, despite srevious refusals
by America to wipe ga the war obli-
cations, this matter ns's, be considered
again at Washington in connection with
President Harding's plans for interna-
tional economy by reducing armaments.
But to-day it was learned that the
President is fatty opposed to anv such
course, and although he has not issued
any statement on the subject it is
known that he is of the opinion that
the debt question can be settled better
in other ways. Moreover. he feels that
the present agenda for the conference
provide sufficient opportunity for diff
1erences of opinion. He realizes fully
the difficulties that are entailed if the
conference considers only what is on
the original program. He is extremely
anxious that big things he achieved in
the consideration of armament reduc-
ton and Far Eastern problems. He
does not now purpose to let the work Of
the parley be made more arduous by
having other subjects injected. Con-
sequently, it is believed that the Presi-
dents opposition will block any at
tempt to bring up the debt problem.
Holland and Belgium Invited
AT the authorization of the Presi-
dent, Secretary of State Hughes to-
day dispatched formal invitations to
Holland, Belgium and Portugal to par
tlclpate in the November discussion.
along with China, when subjects affect
ing the Far East are under discussion.
These three nations have territorial
interests in the Orient. Each of the
governments was invited to commune
cate to Washington its views on the
agenda, a copy of which was transmit
ted with the invitations to the con-
ference
Rumors that Congress would ad
journSNovember 10, on the eve Of the
international parley, were dispelled
when it became known that President
Harding wants the Senate and House
to stay in session until Congress has
disposed of the several important meas
urcs that are before it. This means
that adjournment probably cannot be
had until late in November.
Wants Rail Credit Bill Passed
Far from wanting Congress to be
idle while the armament discussions
are going on, the President told friends
at the White House to-day that he was
especially anxious to have the railroad
credit bill and the foreign debt bill
passed before the end of the extra
session. He considers it far more i'm
portant that Congress go ahead and
finish its work than adjourn, for fear
OF embarrassing the international con-
ference.
The President has expressed the
opinion that as soon as the tax bill
and treaties are out of the way the
railroad and foreign debt measures
should be acted upon. He want the
foreign debt measure passed upon, not
in order to give the Administration
wider authority for handling that sub
ject at the Conference on Armament
Limitation-the President doesn't want
that matter considered there at ali
but because he feels it is necessary for
the Secretary of the Treasury to be
empowered to reach the best solution
OF the international debt controversy
that is possible.
AS President Harding sees it, there
are many reasons why it would be to
the advantage of the government if the
executive department had large powers
in handling the foreign debt. In nd
ministration quarters it was pointed
out day that there is movement on
foot for the financial and industrial re-
habilitation of Austria. That country
owes the United States sums which
relatively are not great arising out Of
war claims and pre-war claims. The
question of banking interests in this
country advancing money to help in
Austrian rehabilitation is being con-
sidercd 1t might easily be arranged if
the bankers could have their advances
made a. preferred claim against Austria
ahead of the governments claims. The
President has no authority to MAKE
any such arrangement and cannot With
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