The New York herald., 1921-04-29
DOOR STILL OPEN
ON PREPARATIONS
Hughes Tells Ambassadors
German Offer Provides Basis
for New Discussion.
q. S. Is OPPOSED TO FORCE
Washington's Attitude Looks
to Worlds Future and the
Prevention Of War.
q. S. Is OPPOSED TO FORCE
Special Despatch to THE New YORK HERALD
New York Herald Bureag'

Special Despatch to THE NEW YORK HEaALD.
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. C.. April sS.
The door has not been closed upon
resumption of negotiations between
Germany and the Allies. This was
the outstanding feature Of the Wash
ington reaction to-day TO the under
standing that the representatives here
Of France. Great Britain and Belgium
had expressed their Governments
view that the German offers on repara-
tions were unacceptable.
The only statement coming from the
State Department was that the situa-
ton had not changed within the last
twenty-four hours. coupled with this
clarifying suggestion:
1T has never been question OF
whether the German offer was accept
able but whether the offer furnished
a proper basis for consideration"
This explanation shows that the
United States does not regard this
German offer as final. nor does IT con-
slider the allied rejection Of the tenta-
tive proposal az putting an end to
further discussion.
The fact that press reports show
Great Britain to he still endeavoring
to discover Just exactly what is meant
by the German proposals is interpreted
here as meaning that despite the def
mite Lloyd George declaration Great
Britain Is still maintaining an open
mind.
The Belgian and British Ambas-
sadors conferred with Secretary of
State Hughes to-day. but ii could not
be learned whether the French EN-
bassy had sent a representative TO the
state Department TO present the re-
ported French views on the subject.
AMBASSADOR Jusserand was out of the
city and viii not return until to-mor-
row. 1t was both reported and denied
that a representative OF the French
Embassy had conferred with State De
partment officials. Italy and Japan
had not made any reply up TO late
hour this evening.
IL became known to-day that Secretary
Hughes, In presenting the German offer
informally to the allied Ambassadors.
said he regarded the offer as furnishing
a proper basis for the renewal OF discus
sions. 1t is also possible 20 state this
Government will not express its own
views To- Germany and will not ask Ger
many TO present now offers. because x
has decided definitely not to be placed
In the position or an umpire.
But this does not preclude the pos
sibility of informal suggestions to the
German Government through the Amefi-
can Commissioner at Berlin. 70 the ef-
feet that the Allies expect an amendment
OF tho German offer. X can be stated
positively that such an amendment is an
ticipated and hoped for by the state De
partment
SO far as tho Informal" position Of
this Government is concerned. II may be
stated as follows.
/. The United States is not in favor OF
the application Of coercive measures
against Germany provided Germany ex-
hibits good faith and presents reason
able or proper basis for the resumption
of reperations negotiations.
2. The German proposal. although pos
sibly unacceptable In several OF its as
poets offers. In the opinion OF the United
States, sufficient grounds for a renewal
OF the discussion between Germany and
the Allies. II was never contemplated
that the propositions submitted BY the
German Government should be final and
but merely to afford a
bridge over the irnpasse.
Germany has said she will accept any
changes IN her offer which the United
states may suggest she proposes 70
with gratitude such sug-