New-York tribune., 1921-05-12
W ashington Is
Still Skeptical
About Germany
Qualification at Surrender
Publicly Expressed, but
Private Doubts of Com.
plete Good Faith Remain
Knox Plan Pigeonholed
Every Chance To Be Given
for Solution That Will
Restore World Balance
By Carter Field

WASHINGTON, May 11.-While the
Administration privately takes the Ger
man promises to comply with the AL
lied reparations terms with large
grain of salt. openly only qualification
that she has made the premise is mani
tested. Questioning of Administration
officials to-day as to whether they be-
the payments, and also as to whethef
she would attempt in good faith to
carry out the bargain she has just
made, met with declinations to express
any view whatever.
In short, the real position is that
while the Administration is skeptical
on the point of good faith and is not
clear as TO the question of ability, it is
the earnest desire TO avoid taking my
step which would have the effect of re-
opening arguments over the situation
III Europe. The firm belief here is that
the only road to industrial resumption
in Europe, and a consequent return to
prosperity in the United States, is in
the carrying out by Germany in good
faith of the bargain she has made.
Therefore. it is the intention of the
Administration, in cooperation in every
way with the Allies, to refrain from
expressing any doubts at this time.
Peace Resolution Pigeonholed
For the same reason leaders in the
House made it clear to-day that, i'm
portant as the action of Germany was
in agreeing to the terms, this will not
change their present intention to keep
the Knox resolution establishing peace
between Germany and this country
pigeonholed for the time being.
This, perhaps, illustrates the posi-
tion of the Administration better than
anything else, for all talk about the
Administration not being responsible
for holding up the Knox resolution is
mere camoufiage to prevent resentment
against the thought of the President
debating to Congress.
The Administration is marking time,
hoping that no further strenuous
measures against Germany will have to
be resorted to, but standing firm with
the Allies in case Germany should fail
TO keep her pledges and force again
should become necessary.
The German action is regarded et
the Capitol as probably the one big
gest factor looking to clearing UP of
the general international situation, p
as one leader put it, but does not yet
warrant final action by the House on
the Knox peace resolution.
"Among the causes which eventually
will make possible---or practicable
our final settlement of the peace ques.
ton, this action by Germany, of course
takes us long step forward" said Re-
publican leader Mondell. SAT the same
tcf hA., ~.
are many other elements in the situs
tion which still will prevent for time
the disposition of the peace resolution
by the House. Until all these things
are cleared up, it would not be wise for
us to put the resolution through too
hastily"
Other Leaders Share View
Similar opinions were expressed BY
other prominent Republicans, among
them Chairman Stephen G. Porter oi
the Committee on Foreign Affairs, who
| holds pronounced views with regard tc
| the Knox resolution.
! The position taken by the Chairman
! of the committee which must repori
| out the resolution. it is believed, NAV
| become formidable as q strictly loea
| obstacle to enactment of the resolution
of peace. Mr., Porter stoutly contend:
| that the Knox resolution goes too fal
in declaring a state of peace, as vel
| IS revoking the declaration of war. HI
contends that reastablishment of 1
/ state Of peace would meet the situation
/ fully and at the same time be both az
/ appropriate and cautious move. Tina
is all that is provided in the Porte
resolution. which IS believed to hay,
/ the support Of an easy majority Of tn,
committee over the Knox resolution.
The Democratic members of the com
mittee, of whom there are seven. hap,
| almost to a man declared themselves !,
! favor of the Porter stand, while tn,
Republican members are understood /,
be about evenly divided. With th,
committee SO lined up it seems appar
ent that only rather weak nlinorit,
will vote TO report out the Knox reso
luton.
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