The Washington times., 1922-08-07
EUROPE 5 FATE
IN BALANCE AS
ALL|ESPARLEY
Thirteenth Conference Since
Versailles Treaty Was Signed
Opens in London.
BY DAVID Nj. CHURCH.
international News Service.

LONDON, Aug. THE thir
teenth interallied conference since
the treaty Of Versailles was signed
opened here today with every pos
sibility that 1t would decide thu
future fate Of Europe.
Upon the outcome hangs future
Anglo.French concord and the pos
sibility OF Germany being dragged
back from the verge OF bankruptcy
The United States is not repre-
sented.
Premier Lloyd George Of Britain
will lead a vigorous attempt to set
tie the German indemnity Issue foi
all time. He is understood to bt
optimistic over the result but this
optimism is not widely shared
Other British officials fear a dead
lock with France insisting upon
the right Of independent action
against Germany to enforce her
demands
Moratorium First.
The proposed moratorium for
Germany was the first question on
the agenda. Premier Lloyd George
was understood to favor the pro-
posal before the interallied repara'
tions commission for moratorium
on the indemnity instalments for
payment by Germany Of S2,435.00O
70
war civil debts owned by Germans
to Frenchmen. Premier Poincare
OF France Is expected to oppose bit
terly any such plan. Italy Is be
lieved to favor the British view
point. while the Belgian attitude
has not been defined.
It was recently reported from
Brussels that Belgium and France
were not entirely In accord on the
moratorium question, but in view oil
the closeness Of their relations on
the Russian issue, II Is probable that
the Belgians will support the
French.
George Favors Moratorium.
At 1:45 o'clock the session ad
journed until 4:s0. A communiaus
said that there had been only "pre'
liminary discussion" II wns learn
ed, however, that Premier LLOYD
George spoke in favor OF an in
demnity moratorium for Germany
His viewpoint is said to have been
supported by the Italians. Relgians
and Japanese.
Premier Poincare OF France re-
fused to state the French policy
until Premier Lloyd George an
nounced the British policy.
A tense situation is already re
ported to have arisen in the con
ference, due to French opposition
to a moratorium unless certain
drastic conditions were obeyed by
Germany. The French premier al
first appeared to be uncompromis
ing, but when he saw a solid front
arrayed against him in favor oi
the moratorium. he proceeded "a
lay down stiff conditions upon
which France might agree.
The heads Of the various delega
tions are: British, Premier Lloyd
George; French, Premier Poincare
Italian. Foreign Minister Schanzer
Belgian. M. Jaspar. Viscount Ishii
Japanese ambassador to France
represented his government.
During the interim between the
first and second sessions. Foreign
Minister Schanzer. OF Italy, con
ferred with Premier Poincare in the
role Of mediator in an attempt to
line him up on the policies OF the
other allies.
Poincare Reticent.
Before leaving for Downing street
Premier Poincare was asked for his
views on the possible outcome.
The least said before the confer
ence, the better II is" he replied.
II is believed that Premier Poin
care brought with him from Paris &
program for dealing sternly with
Germany. although there appeared
to be ground for the opinion that he
was prepared to abandon his pro
posals for debt cancellation in view
Of the refusal OF the United State.
to do so. Debt cancellation was to
be one OF the items on the program
but in view Of recent developments
statesmen fear that Il would only
heighten the tension already exist
ing. II this question is brought for
ward, Premier Lloyd George will at
tempt to use the French debt tc
Great Britain as a lever on which to
get an advantage on the moratorium
iaspa