The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-10-11


 from active participation in the set clement of economic and financial diff faculties confronting the world is ex- pressed by special committee of the States just back from an extended trip through European countries where government officials and bus mess leaders were interviewed and where in close study on the ground the committee sought the views of the various elements of the populations.
 In a report to the Chambers board of directors, made public today the committee declares that: W
 'In every country visited the opin- ion was expressed that neither West ern nor General Europe can be re- stored to a condition which promises hope and progress for the future without out assistance Every coun- try desires our friendship and assist ance, and it is apparent we can par dcipate in the restoration of commer- cial and industrial productivity on any reasonable and consistent terms, either by modification of the Yer saiiles treaty to meet the policies of the United States, or independently of it."
 On the Chambers committee are dent of the Chamber; John H. Fahey of Boston, former president of the Chamber and director of the Inter national Chamber of Commerce; Silas -clTdWH, Ol OulCdSos CIld1IIudH O1 board, Montgomery. Ward & Co.,; Robert P. Lamont of Chicago. presi- dent, American Steel Foundries Co.,; John J. O'COnnor of Washington, Der of Commerce of the United States, and James H. Douglas, Jr.,s secretary.
 A chief obstacle at present to a re- turn to normal business conditions throughout the world. the committee asserts, is found in the armed conflicts in progress and in the continued threat of renewed clashes. Business will not resume its forward move ment, it is declared, until the menace of recurring warfare is removed.
 Conclusions of the committee, based on an intensive study, stand out as follows:
 There is heavy financial burden involved in continuing the armies of occupation, but the removal of this load depends on some effective plan for the maintenance of peace, on which the nations shall unite.
 The United States and the Allies should present a solid front in de- manding that Germany make good in the matter of reparations.
 The United States should partici- pate in the work of the reparations commission and in the work of the other commissions now existing or to be created which may deal with econ omic and financial questions which affect the United States.
 There should be formed an interna- tiona1 commission of business men to aid the reparations commission in working out difficult financial prob lens concerning separations.
 The United States should not with draw at this time her army on the Rhine. The committee found fur
 The world is operating on basis of less than one-half of the pre-war standard.
 The consumption of 3o0,oOo.oo0
 
 The stronger nations cannot ad- vance credit to relieve the situation unless there is assurance of stable conditions.
 Peace still is not established, three years after the armiStice.
 The present German government is trying to meet the required repara- tons payments.
 If the opposition gets control in Germany and attempts to evade or re- pudiate the reparation settlements crisis will be precipitated which will be still further menace to peace.
 France and other countries border ing on Germany need protection against future attacks.
 Financial aid cannot be extended to Germany to enable her to purchase raw materials with which to manu- fracture goods for the purpose of pay ing her obligations unless there re- mains a strong central government.
 The unlIeO states, Tn the opinion or the committee, holds a peculiarly re- sponsible position in the present sit u1tion and as a matter of economic necessity cannot afford to shirk her duties.
 To-day the worlds business appar- ently has reached a dead center" says the committee. ''It may move for ward from the present point by slow, painful and uncertain steps with the result that the process of restruction will extend over many years. How long such movement would continue, it is impossible to forecast. No one was able to approximate the length of the most destructive war in his tory, and no one is wise enough to foresee how long the present condi- uon of doubt and insecurity with its inevitable suffering and social dis may last.
 "Only by gaining the confidence of investors can the credit and capital necessary to insure normal business