Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-11-20
AMERICA WILL BE THERE

Lausanne, Nov. 10. (By A. P.)-The
Indications tonight that the represen-
eativcs of the United States govern
ment will take an active part in the
Near Eastern conference, which Will
open tomorrow with plenary ses-
son. have suddenly given that con-
ference great international impor-
lance. America will lot only observe
SHE Will speak and speaL out vigor-
nnsly when she thinks the occasion
demands it and in a general way will
insist on every right of participation
enjoyed by other countries in all
things, except actual voting.
Such, the Associated Press under
stands, is the American position, and
II is founded on the fact that the
United States. like the European
powers, possesses interests in Turkey
and upCl the American conviction
7nat the United States cannot sit idly
~ and allow other world nations to
dispose of the future of the Turkish
state without taking into cOnsidera-
lion the views of the United States.
The American ambassador to Italy.
Iuchard Washburn Child. and the
american minister to Switzerland,
Joseph G. Grew, plan to attend all the
sessions Of the conference, with Rear
admiral Bristol joining them later.
ihc United States never declared war
ON Turkey and is not represented at
Lausanne to take part in the revision
ut the treaty of Sevres, but she has
z distinct interest in the question of
the Turkish capitu;itions and the
ll.edom of the straits.
Although il IS c,tI.y to define the
position of the United States on the
various problems to be discussed at
the conference, there seemed every
W0spcct tonight that the American
representatives who lose their char
atterization of "observcrs," and be-
,rme full-flcdged dele gates with the
reservation above noted, will oppose
any project to abandon the extra
EDITORIAL privilege which permits
foreigners to he tried in foreign
courts in Turkey.
The American theory is said to be
That the Turkish law is essentially
based on religious tencts, to which
foreigners. including Americans, do
rot subscribe and that when the lives
and property of Americans are in
VOWED it is only natural that they
desire to retain these judicial excmp-
lions already authorized by treaty.
When it comes to the taxation Of
foreigners or foreign property in
Turkey. the impression prevails that
tie United States. may advocate some
modification of the existing exemp-
ton in the belief that taxation ex-
cmption. if tantamount to unjust dis
ordinations against the Turkish
manufacturer or merchant. America,
l. is said. may favor out and out
abolition of this capitulation, or pri-
Nl'egc. and recommend separate taxa
ten arrangements with the various
powers.
Concerning an increase in the Tur-
k.sh customs tariff on imports and
exports, it is thought probable that
'he United States Nigh endorse an
inter nations agreement in the same
way as was worked out for China at
the Washington conference. On the
customs question, the United States
apparently shows no intention to act
alone, but, on the contrary, in the
Closest harmony with the other great
powers.
The intention of the American dele
safes to assume an active role seems
not to be generally known in Lau-
Same today. but the European pow
t's would undoubtedly welcome Am
tlican activity. as compared with
american aloofness at the Genoa and
me Hague conferences.
Inc weight Of Americas words, 1t
IS expected. will be regarded as great
y affecting the course Of the de-
noeratlons. all the more so as it is
ueemed that America is without pre-
JedIce Despite this intention of de-
,Pndlng American interests, the
htcd States is described as unfIin-
'hlnsly determined to keep "hands
European politics. Thus it is
evident that the American delega-
"oh has before it a delicate, as we'll