New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-09-28
Allies to Bring
Up Debt Issue
At Arms Farley
Britain and France Arc
Convinced That Obliga-
ti0ns Arc Now Millstones
Around Neck of Europe
London Ready to Act
Prepared to Cancel the
Indebtedness Of Others
if II. S. Will DO Likewise
By Arthur S. Draper


Copyright. 1921. New York Tribune Inc.
LONDON, Sept. 27.-The whole
question of inter Allied VIZ debts is
expected to be raised at the November
conference in Washington on arma-
ment limitation and Far Eastern
questions, in view of the steady growth
here of the conviction that these mat
tiers are closely related. Both in
France and England it is felt that
these wartime obligations are mill
stones around Europe's neck.
Unemployment in its present crit.
cal stage here serves to emphasize
this. Hence the question of tighten
ing the financial burden is looming
larger in the Briton's mind, and the
suggestion persists that the United
States must consider the cancellation
or REIMBURSEMENT of these debts. The
French and Italians are just as anx-
ious to have showdown in the mat
tcrs as the British. who would gladly
cancel the Indebtedness of the other
Allies to her if America would do the
same.
"The Pail Mall Gazette" this evening
says:
"f there is to be a surrender of
national rights aud pretensions all
around for the sake of common peace,
matter like the outstanding war debts
OF the Allied countries must come up
fer review. This is more especially
true because the principal creditor of
Europe is the power which has sum-
1noned the nations to conference and
has taken the lead in the proclamation
OF the gospel of mutual consideration.
Cites Sacrifices of Others
"Other great powers have incurred
sacrifices in blood from which America
has been exempt and have spent their
wealth also in the defense of common
liberty. The American gospel of philanz
thfopy can scarcely sound convincing
II taken as coming from a nation that
insists upon its full financial rights
over an exhausted and impoverished
world.
"Enghshmen can raise this question
OF debt without shamefacedness be-
cause what we. owe America is less than
half what stands on their ledger ae-
counts against the European nations"
Last spring the government had
plans all made TO send mission to
Washington Is discuss this debt ques-
ton with the Secretary of the Treas
ury, but the scheme was abandoned on
the advice of Sir Auckland Geddes,
british Ambassador in the American
capital.
Labor Seeks Representation
The British delegation to the No
vember meeting will include a fnan-
cial expert. If Andrew Bonar Law,
former government leader in the
House of Commons, goes too, the Cabi-
net could have no greater authority
on the subject of debts, in view of
the experience which he had as
Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The Labor party is planning to hold
a number of meetings to arouse in
terest in the conference. When
Parliament reassembles, several labor
members of the House of Commons
will speak on the Washington gather
ing. Labor is anxious to be repre-
scented on the British delegation, but
there seems to be small possibility
that the government will acquiesce in
this suggestion.
viscount Grey is suggested as an
acceptable non-government member of
the delegation. Premier Lloyd George
undoubtedly would like to have him
in the mission, but the former For
eign Secretary's health is not of the
/ best.