New-York tribune., 1922-12-23
Unofficial u. S.
ReparatiOnPlan
Still BeclOuded
State Department Chiefs he-
iteraie Government Is Not
Backing Proposed Trade
Board Survey Abroad
Discussion Not Denied
Washington Said TO Feel
That II Cannot Present
Suggestion TO Europe

WASHINGTON, Dec. % (By The
Associated Preu).-The situation rel
alive 70 extension OF American aid
toward q European reparations settle
ment continued to-day 70 present o
badly beeloudod picture, on which lit'le
light was thrown from any quarter.
American officials reiterated their
denlsls Of government backing AZ the
present stage for the American COM
mission plan sponsored by commercial
leaders, and Of various published state
ments regarding the direction in which
American ofieIal opinion was tending
But there was no clear cut denial
that high ofieials IN Warrington had
discussed the commission proposal
earnestly among themtelvss and with
oshers, and no one attempted 20 give
the impression that the United States
government would be displeased should
the discussions now IN progress result
In an agreement.
Not a Party 10 Survey Plan
Neither did any oneial come for.
ward 70 explain che true character OF
the mysterious moginCs behind the
scenes Of world diplomacy 20 which
sliusion has been made repeatedly IN
outeivinas both in Warrington and IN
ths capitals Of Europe.
In al Of their negative comment on
the subject State Department authori
ties seemed most anxious 20 deny that
the government itself, despite the close
touch 10 is maintaining with the titua-
tion, was In any way a party az the
present time 10 the plan for a survey
commission, suggested frst in this
country by officials OF the Chamber OK
Commerce Of the United States.
10 was said hatly that the American
government at the present stage Of tho
discussions has no connection with
the commission plan. which content
plates creation OF a body Of experts 20
INQUIRE into the ability Of Germany 20
pay reparations. Furthermore, one
ofieial Indicated that II the commits
sion plan ever came 70 the point where
q proposal for its acceptance could be
made through diplomatic channels the
United States would not be the proper
power 70 make that proposal. 10 was
pointed out that treaty rights are IN
volved In the reparations difference and
that no formal offer 20 mediate would
be In place from any government o0-
ceps on the solicitation OF the govern
ments involved in the controversy.
Would BE Unofficial Board
As the commission plan now is ex-
planned here, tho commission would be
q wholly unofficial body as far as the
Washington government Is concerned,
and would have TO do only with re-
porting lis findings as 20 Gormany's
economic ability 10 pay. What actual
figure would be fixed as a reparations
total would, OF course, be q matter
that the Allied governments would have
20 decide for themselves. But with
the economic report on Germany avail
able, known 20 represent the views OF
industrial experts without any ma
tional bias, Il has been the hope OF
sponsors Of the American commission
plan that there could be an agreement
as % the amount and form Of German
payments which would finally settle tho
question.
The only lnkllng a. 20 the hopes OF
the American government Ia les ef-
forts 70 find q way 10 a rcparation6
aettlement was 4 prediction made to-
day that II Il ever became possible 70
announce any Official plan, it would be
found 20 be a very practical proposal,
lacking In any sensational quality.
Anything that is being done ohieially
In tho way Of getting a clear under
standing OF governmental attitudes
abroad. Il was Indicated, was aimed AZ
such 4 conception Of tho problem TO
be solved.
BERLIN, Dee. % (By The Asso-
clated Pross).--lt was ofilcially denied
here to-day that Chancellor Cuno or
any other government Official had sug-
gested the appointment Of an Ameri-
can commission 20 investigate Ger
many'e economic condition.