Norwich bulletin., 1922-12-16

A
 Washington, Dec. 15.-(By, the A. P.) 1 Administration officials believe that | American influence can be employed to help towards solution of the German | Fsparations problem. That feeling was voiced authoritatively- today at the White House. It was added, however, that no a1- nourcement now was possible or even trn- blinent- Thinks that may be occurring behind tho scenes. 1t was said, cannot bs exhibited on the stage"- at this time without prejudice here or abroad to the very cause the Washington goveGnIassln hooeS to serve. Such was the, brief glimpse of official purpose made available at the close of a day filled with speculation as to what move the Washington government might be contemplating towards averting the threatened Anglo-FTench break over Ger nany's capacity to pay reparatiCns.
 me White House statement was made after a series of developments of obvious NgnfhcaDce, beginning with. the official admission that Ambassador Harvey had been called from London for consulta- tons here. This was followed by con Garence of considerable length. betwesa Dr. Otto Wiedfeldt, the German ann bassador, and Secretary Hughes, at
 
 plight of Germany, already described ta American official advices as on the verge Of collapse, was discussed with it's ap- nlicatiou to the reparations tangle.
 Later Dr. Wiedfeldt left for New York without announcing the object of his journey. In diplomatic and other circles, however, 1t was recalled that J. P. Nor ran. New York dnancier. had conferred here recently with Mir. Hughes, and khsre was an inclination to associate khass two conferences and to. link them with the project for a loan to Germany hy American bankers.
 When t became known stin later that s thO German question had been among sho subisCtS discussed in two hour ses- Ei0a nf the cabtnet. added signticance vas attached to this phase of events. It was indicated authoritatively at the tate department that the loan question IAd not coma up there formally. The state department was reticent regarding AInbassador Harvey, aiahough 1t was ad- uittsd at tho White Rouse that hiss first hand knOwfedgs of the London council pf premters was desired The admission was coupled with . suggestion that toe ueat significance should not. be given Mr. Hnrvey's trfp. 's.',si ' 2. .' 'i-i
 it appeared possible that the ambas
 
 # what had prompted the call to Wash lngton. ~. ,.,-s -g7,s.s.s --,'.
 With all the events, of the last few days indicating that something of i'm portance was in prospect. the key to tn puzzle-the specific thought of the Wash ington government as to how its infiuenc could best he brought to bear on tn reparations coutroversy-sti was lack ing tonight The impression was tha officials were feeling their way carefully White House spokesInen would give n' inkling of the road along which the gov ernnent was moving. 1t was said yer: definitely, however, that President Hard Ing and his advisers recognized that tn United States as the great creditor na tion,, had an influence dn European al fairs that could not be avoided, and was declared with equal authority ths the administration had no desire t0 G cape the responsibilities that grSw AA of that inhuenee.
 It is known that some officials thin there should be available to any Eu ropeAn conference of an economic an financial nature very complete informt Hcn as to the actual situation in Gel many. There appeared tonight to be possibility that 1t might be along this liz that an approach to q solution of 4 tt reparations question would be sought.
 A suggestion, wholly unofficial, va heard that some form of commission perhaps joint as representing the allie or even including American expert might be created to seek in German such information as must be recognize tn both France and England as an al tllcr1tative estimate of Germany's capa Ky to pay. It was pointed out that
 nch a eourse should secm wise,' sut kmerican hnanciers as MT. Morgan migl be expected to aid. s.s-,.t ,., | 3.
 It was said officially at the state d partment. that the American attitude ; 10 cancellation of war debts had unde zone no change. Tn any event 1t was fl lhcsted on every side that there was I Aeascn to anticipate any early action Washington. the inference being tn! ghere was much informal discussion b tween Washington ana lrIropean state nen to be expected before definite pr pct could take shape.