Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-08-01
Rennratinns md the Debts

THE American government is represent.
cd as being favorable TO the broad idea
of reducing German PREPARATIONS to a figure
that Germany can reasonably hope to pay.
but is not in favor of conditioning any re-
auction upon a general cancellation of in
ternationa war debts. In taking that posi-.
ton the government unquestionably is on
solid ground
british officials are proposing to France
that The latter assent to reduction OF the
German reparations account from 1872 O0O.-
100000 TO 10000. 5000 gold marks As
an induccmen, the British are said TO have
suggested that Frances debt TO Great
britain he Cancelled and the British claim to
any substantial percentage Of the German
payments be wsivcd.
/, is entirely proper for the British to
make any proposition that nation may
choose 10 the French Also il is entirely
proper for tho nations which share heavily
Ill The PREPARATIONS 10 come to any agreement
upon that question which circumstances NAV
dictate. But these governments are not
privileged TO make settlements that in any
sense involve general remission of foreign
debts
Practically all Of Europe side of the
ola central empires is indebted TO the United
states The sum total of that Indebtedness
hoped and continues to hope that some pro-
gram may be adopted by all parties con-
c"rned under which these obligations may
he escaped. England first proposed a gen
cral cancellation OF all war debts This
met with no favorable response in America
France thereafter let il be known that while
disposed To pay what IL owes TO the United
States. II has nothing with which to paw
before going into the Genoa conference the
Italians in,imated that nothing could come
out OF that conclave unless America would
agree to wipe the slate clean of all war
debts
II is apparent that European statesmen
are now using the rcparations problems as
the basis Tor another campaign for remis-
SION. The British according 10 London
dispatches. offer to cancel Frances Indebted
Tess TO the empire. not only as an induce
mcnt To the French 10 cut down German
separations, but ms an act of world states
lnanship which II is hoped will impress
America with the Importance of doing like.
wise
II may he true. as more and more people
ia this country are beginning TO believe that
Europe will never be able TO make any sub
staniial return 10 the United States for the
money loaned. In order TO prosecute the war
bht Europe. as matter OF good faith
Shohiu come forward and formally acknowl-
eore the outstanding obligations by agree
ing To IA quick refunding Of the existing de-
mahd notes held in Washington Until that
Is done. there is small likelihood that either
the American government or the American
people VIII favorably entertain plan to can
eel any or ali the debts Of Europe TO this
country
Meanwhile The Washington government is
justified in withholding its approval Of The
H'"ch" To lie the PREPARATIONS question to
mat or international debts These issues
should be dealt with separately. Tie one is
purely matter for Europe to consider
inns country is financially Interested in rep
"'"I'ohS ON? 10 the extent OF the cost OF
.'H'''"'hihS me American army on the
KhIhr. The other is a matter which in
wolves the United States as well as E,urona