The Washington herald., 1922-04-15
Reparations at Genoa.

~ come an issue at Genoa?
If the subject could be discussed calmly, with
out animosity and with both sides on an equal
footing some progress might be made towards
clearing the atmosphere which surrounds the latest
developments OF this complicated situation.
Ii must be remembered, however, that the
European statesmen have gathered at Genoa not as
representatives OF victorious and vanaushed ma
tons They came as delegates from states entitled
to equal consideration The question of reparations
is not for all of Europe 1t is of vital interest only
to the principal allies and to Germany
Members of the French delegation have given
no promising sign that they would treat the sub
ject dispassionately if it were allowed to form the
subject of debate. The evidence has all pointed to
the conclusion that they would turn the conference
hall into forum for the expression OF their hatred
The conference was not called to devise further
means of enforcing the will of the allies of
France alone, on Germany. 1t was called to hnd
some remedy for the economic sickness Of Europe,
to open avenues of trade, to encourage produc-
ton IN all countries and to do something to Tighten
the tragedy of debated currency. Especially for
France, reparations has some connection with all
these subjects. But its importance be overem-
phasized easily. 1t certainly is not of sufficient
moment to the rest of Europe to detract much at
tenton from the main objectives of the conference
whatsoever IS certain 10 create Ill 1cellng shoulQ
be avoided at Genoa, so far possible. This ques
ton purposely was left from the agends. At the
time of the Cannes conference it suited the pur-
poses of France that the disnterested powers of
Europe have opportunity to pass upon her per-
sonal controversy with Germany. Times have
changed. But she has little legitimate excuse for
recalling her former position.
The nations of Europe have embarked on
stormy waters in frail craft to find the Northwest
passage to the peace and prosperity of years
ago A small rock in the a bad
wreck 1t would be poor navigation to steer delib-
erstey into channel filled with treacherous impedi-
ments just below the surface of the water. Thus
far some progress has been made. Under the wise
leadership of Lloyd George, there is more than a
fororn hope that the expedition least will explore
thoroughly the possibilities of recovery that fu-
ture undertakings of the same kind will reach the
objective.
Disarmament is much more vital question to
Europe on the whole than reparations. 1t would
be better, perhaps, that cent of reparations be
paid than that what is paid be wasted the upkeep
OF expensive military machines.
We believe the nations of the old world have
reached stage where they are willing to deal hon.
orably with each other There is hope while French
gentlemen and German gentlemen, Russian gentle
men and English gentlemen, sit around the
table and talk their troubles. If it becomes no
longer possible to do this. hope is ended
Europe never accomplish much through a
league OF victorious nations seeking to force its will
on the rest
1t can accomplish much through a common un-
derstanding among all nations After all, the
peoples of Europe-German, French, Russian Ru-
msnian and Greek, very much alike in the final
analysis. The hatred they bear for another is
the result of misunderstanding, of striking dif-
ferences.
Every effort should be made at Genoa to in
crease the understanding and to away parts of
the medieval stone walls of militant nationalism
over which the poison ivy of envy grows luxuriantly
and in whose crevices lurk the kissing adders of
hate.