Norwich bulletin., 1922-12-22
HOW AMERICANS MAY FIGURE
 IN THE ALTERATIONS PROBLEMS


 Washington, Dec, 2t.-(BY The A. P.) "A plan under which an American com mission would determine how much Ger many should Dc required to pay the all hes in reparations has emerged from the eftort to hnd way for extending Amer lcan aid toward solution of the economic troubles of Europe.
 Although discussions of the proposals have been kept thus far outside the formal channels of diplomacy, the ex- change of views has developed thorough understanding in authoritative circles that the United States, Great Britain and Germany all are willing to assent to the creation of such a commis- sion. The plan now is befpre Premier Pofn- care of France and he Is expected to make a decision after, he has concluded . series of conferences with industrial leaders of his own country and of Ger many. It Is assumed that it will be cornmuiy ycated later to all tho nations Interested in reparations payments.
 Officials of tho Washington govern ment who from tho beginning of the present discussions have been unwilling to do more than hint that a way was being sought to render aid toward a European settlement, refused today to issue a statement saying that the ''gov- 'rnment" had presented no proposal pm the subject SvF
 The procedure by which all of those directly interested are sounded before my definite proposal is submitted with government authority behind it is the aEuai method employed in negotiations sf great delicacy. The secretary's state nent recalled an assertion made few lays ago by White House spokesman, who said. in discussing the American at ltude towards Europe that it would not be proper to display on the stage all hat was taking place behind the scenes.
 The plan for an American commission hrst was disclosed. early today in an AEsociaSid Press despatch from London where the proposal has been actively under discussion. The despatch credit "a the chamber of commerce of the Unit d States with having first laid the sug- Eestiou before Secretary Hughes and fl Eas learned hero today that much ot Inc actual discussion which has taken tiace since that time has been conduct sd on behalf of American industry by pficials of the chamber. ..a5 s
 At the state department there was a disposition to draw sharp line of dis. linctiOn between khe activities of Amer. gan and other business men in regard tC the problem. and the moves made bS t5VernNnent offieia1s themselves It be. anne clear during the day, however, tha' Inc two groups had kept in close touca lna that not only Secretary Hughes, bu Secretary Hoover and others high 1T Inc administration were fully advised O. enorts made by President Julius H. Harnes, of the chamber of commerce. md men tn England, FrEnce and Cor many who hold similar posts in thu 1. industrial world to find a formula fol solution of the rapaFations .probaem.
 Department officials made 1t plain tha hey would not be drawn into any de partalre from the. formal terms of thi lecretary,s brief statement, which in it sslf aNbidcd any mention of details. l ,olloWB
 The department of state cannot dis luss tentative proposais which are mad lo it with respect to the European sit ration Inc report that this govern ~ont hpd presented to nther soyernment
 '.