The New York herald., 1922-07-30

by Congress and the State Department.
1T is hardly necessary for me to say"
Mr.. Hughes declared. in his memoran-
dunn. that / am most anxious that a
settlement Of the claims OF American
citizens should be promptly effected.
You undoubtedly appreciate that III au-
ditlon to the difficulties which. as
result of political and economic condi-
tons, have confronted the nations with
which the United States was associated
in the war in effecting settlements or
claims against former enemy countries,
the Government of the United states
was obliged to deal with conditions in-
cident TO the conclusion of treaties with
Germany, Austria and Hungary TO re-
establish friendly relations with those
nations.
Adjustment Plan Sought.
Following the conclusion of such
treaties, negotiations were entered into
with Germany looking to the ADJUST
ment of the claims of our citizens pur-
@uant to the right of the United States.
recognized under the treaty concluded
August Is. 1921. with that country.
tits contemplated that mixed COM
mission on which Germany will have
representation will be established to
determine the amounts of these claims
in accordance with the procedure usu-
ally governing matters of this kind.
"I am glad to say that despite the
recent difficulties in Germany which ap-
parently have delayed the completion OF
the arrangements, gratifying progress
has been made, and believe that a sat
isfactory convention will shortly be
signed The negotiations with the Ger
man Government indicate desire on
its part to move as expeditiously as pos
sible with a view to the consummation
of the plans under consideration. 1t is
manifest that legislation such as that
contemplated by the bill in question
would be embarrassing to the executive
In dealing with the matter of these
claims, since the enactment of the bill
into law would make 1t necessary to
abandon present plans.
apart from this effect Of the passagt
of the bill, / may say that IT seems to me
entirely appropriate that the usual prac.
tice should be followed in the determine
ton of international claims and tina
Germany should have appropriate repre-
sentation upon a mixed claims commits
sion by which the amount of these claims
shall be assessed.
''The bill seems to deal with the settle
ment- of cuims as II 1t were purely
domestic affair. but the claims are thos
of American citizens against Germany
| Austria and Hungary and it has hithert
been contemplated. as the Joint resolu
ton Of Congress approved July 2. 1927
makes clear. that these Government
shall make suitable provision for tn
satisfaction Of these claims. But
these Governments are to- mako sue
provision I should regard 1t as prope
I that they should have the opportunit
! of being represented on the, claims com
guarding the request for troops.
'T shall not discuss the plan which tn
bill sets forth of confiscating the pror
4 erty in the hands of the Alien Propert
Custodian by providing for Its applica
ton not only to the payment of tn
claims Of American citizens, but ais
as to the claims Of this Government fe
pensions and allowances as desirable
the bill. while the latter class OF claim
| Is to be postponed in payment TO In
| former, all are to be satisfied under tn
provisions of the bill, and 1t Is fnanifes
that the entire private property of formt
enemy nationals in the hands OF tn
Alien Property Custodian will not be su
ficiert for the purposes stated.
$50 far as the claims of America
citizens are concerned the properties