Evening star., 1922-01-19
OFFICIALS DIVIDED
ONU.S. TAKING:PART
IN GENOA PARLEY
Some Fear Economic Confer
ence Might Involve America
in Political Mesh.
DEMAND THAT AGENDA
BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC
Sentiment in Europe Is That U. S.
Participation Is Necessary
to Success.
BY n. o. MESSENGER.


BY n. O. MESSENGER.
Official sentiment is said to be
States joining the Genoa economic
conference. the differences of opinion
extending even to the cabinet. Pres
entation of the agenda is awaited to
clarity Judgment in the administration
council
Foreign comment as reported in
cable dispatches appears to regard
as essential to success. and the be-
lief overseas is that if the United
States stays out the conference will
be barren of practical results.
The principal fear seemingly en-
tertained in this country is that by
some hook or crook the conference
might divest itself Of it's solely eco
aspect, involving the politics of
Europe-whereupon Uncle Sam shows
signs of shying violently. The ap-
prehension is also recorded here that
in some way the conference might
have an edge on the Washington con-
ference. although that should seem
to be disposed of by the general ex-
pectation that the arms and far
eastern meeting will have concluded
it's labors before the Genoa confer
ence comes on in March.
Analysis Of the terms of the resolu-
tion of the Cannes meeting. calling
the conference. throws some light
on the broad and general aims Of
the proposed conference. but INSULT
cient. 1t is held. without further
elucidation through the agenda.
Need Of World Trade.
The first geenral suggestion of the
resolution is directed to economic condi-
tions in these words: THE allied pow
,rs consider that the resumption Of in
ternational trade throughout Europe and
the development of the resources OF
all countries are necessary to increase
the volume of productive employment
and to relieve the widespread: SUI
fering Of the European peoples. A
united effort by the stronger powers
is necessary to remedy the paralysis
of the European system.
This effort must include the re-
moyal of all obstacles in the way oi
trade, the provision of substantia!
credits for the weaker countries ana
the co-operat ton Of all nations IN the
restoration Of normal prosperity.
Then the resolution goes on to state
the fundamental conditions upon
which alone this effort can be made
with hope of success. The hrst Is
the dictum that nations can claim no
right to dictate to each other regard
ing the principles on which they are
to regulate their systems of owner
ship, Internal economy and govern
ment. 1t is for every nation to choose
for itself the system which It pre-
fers in this respect
Insistence is made, however. that
foreign investors must be assured that
their property and rights must be re-
spected and the fruits of their enter
prise secured to them before foreign
capital can be made available.
Requisites for Credit.
The essentials required Of nations
seeking foreign credit are stated as
follows: +
THAT they will recognize all public
debts and obligations which have been
by the states, by municipalities or by
other public bodies. as we'll as the
obligations to restore or compensate
all foreign interests for loss or dam
age caused to them when property
has been confiscated or withheld;
that they will establish a legal or ju-
dicial system which sanctions and en-
forces commercial and other contracts
with impartiality."
The, participation Of Germany and
Russia in the conference is regarded
as lending a political color to the
possible proceedings. 1t is feared in
some quarters that the United States
might find itself caught in a mesh of
European politics marching in the
zuise of economics unless the agenda
is very clear and specific.
Russia's part in the conference is
expressly stipulated in the resolution
as dependent upon acceptance of the
stipulation of the resolution. Ger
many, according to the view announc-
ed in Berlin. regards herself as COM
ing in on a footing of perfect equality
with the other great powers.