Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1922-12-30

settlement upon It's merits, The frst
condition of a satisfactory settlement
Is that the question should be taken
out of politics. Statesmen have their
difficulties, their public opinion. the
exigencies which they must face. 1t
Is devoutlytto be hoped that they will
affect a settlement amonE themselves
and that the coming meeting at Paris
will find a solution. But IL 1t does not,
what should be done? The alterna-
tive of forcible measures to obtain
PREPARATIONS Is not III attractive
No one can ~foretell the extent of the
serious consequences which might
ensue from such a course. Apart
from political results l believe that
the opinion OF experts is that such
measures will not produce reparations
payments but might tend to destroy
the basis OF those payments which
must be found In economic recupera-
ton.
Must Consider Merits Alone.
"If. however. statesmen can not
agree and such an alternative Is faced,
what can be done? Is there not an
other way outg The fundamental
condition is that in this critical mo-
ment the merits of the question as an
economic one must alone be regarded.
There ought to be a way for states
men to agree upon what Germany
can pay, for no matter what claims
may be made against her, that is the
limit of satisfaction.
If statesmen can mot agree and
exigencies Of public opinion make
their course difficult then there should
be called to their aid those who can
point the way to a solution.
An Alternative.
"WhySshould they not invite men OF
the highest authority on finance in
their respective countries-men Of
such prestige, experience and honor
n their agreement upon the amount
to be paid, and upon a financial plan
for working out the payments, would
be accepted throughout the world an
the most authoritative expression OBJ
tainable? -
Governments need not bind them
selves in advance to accept the recom-
mendations but they can at least make
possible such an inquiry with their
approval and free the men who may
Irepresent their countryin such a COM
m'ssiohs from any responsibility to
foreign offices and from any duty to
obey political instruction.
Il have no doubt that DISTINGUISHED
Americans would be willing to serve
in such a commissi01f. If govern
ments saw fit to rf5ect the recommen-
cation upon which such a body agreed
they would be flee to do so, but they
would have thet advantage Of impair
tlal advice and Of an enlightened pub
lie opinion. Peoples would be inform
ed, the question would be rescued
from, assertion and Ounter assertion
and the problem put upon its way to
solution.
Sees Nol Better Plan
IT do not believe that any general
conference would answer the pur-
pose better, much less hat any po-
litical conference You'd accomplish a,
sible to reach. ButSI do believe that
a small group given proper freedom
OF action, would be able soon to de-
wise a proper plan. 1t would be time
enough to consider forcible, measures
after such an opportunity had been
exhausted. Such a body would not
be bound by special official obliga-
tions; 1t would have nj animus and
no duty but to find and state the truth.
In a situation which requires an alb
OF technicality and immunity
from interference, I hope that the way
may soon be found for a frank Discus
| and determination Of what it
essentially IN economic problem,
1.-The United States has the most
friendly n DISTINGUISHED purpose in
this matter and wishes to aid in any
practicable way. But 1t is idle to
make suggestions which arouse false
hopes n are 80 impracticable that
they a not bear fruit. On the other
hand, there lies open a broad avenue
or opportunity If those whose volun-
tary action is indispensable and are
willing to take advantage of It, and
once this done the avenues OF Amer
lean helpfulness can not fail to open
hopefully"