Norwich bulletin., 1922-12-19

washington, Dee. 1s.-AdjnStment of tho reparations dispute between London and Paris is the crux of the European tangle. in the American viewpoint. as stated hsre today on competent authority. Talk of any American loan to Germany was described as idle" until such an ad- iustment had been made.
 It was also made clear that the QueS- ton of allied war debts to the United States is not viewed in Washington as in volved in the Anglo-French differences as to the amount Germany can pay. Be- yond this official spokesman refused to 20 in outlining what tho Washington gUvernment had in mind.
 There was no hint as to the purposes or progress of informal discussions with allied leaders which have been indicated both here and abroad to be under way. No answer was returned to inquiries as Co whether Germany had again sought American intervention in tho reparations difficulty.
 With the field of speculation thus mar rowed however 1t was evident in unof- fioial talk today that administration hopes that American influence can aid in the European situation were quite gener- ally believed to be based on possibilities that may be seen of bringing British and French into harmony as to Germany's present economic plight and capacity to pay.
 Since time lacks for any lengthy pro- cess of examination on that point before expiration of the moratorium January l6, there was a tendency to believe that the Washington government had some hope of causing at least delay in defl- nlte action by France after that time, pending further light from recognized eX- pert authorities.
 Tn this connection it is known that in some diplomatic quarters an impression prevails that American participation in some form when the council of premiers resumes its sessions in Paris January 2, Is to be expected. The expectation ap- pears to be based on the conclusion that the council meeting would afford natural and logical opportunity for statement on American views, pressure of which might conceivahly tend to bring the Brit Sh and French to a. better understand -ng on separations.
 Presumably Germany is not only will ing, but anxious that the Washington government join in the discussion of rep arations It was only indicated in Paris and London this month befors the coun- uil of premiers met that an American Representative to sit with the premlers officially or unohicially would be accept able.
 This background and such additional favorable attitude as recent WashtEs stor "feelers' in the two capitals may have developed presumably leave the roac open for American representation at Paris after the year end, if the Washington gov. srnnent feels that any good can be ac oomplished in this way.
 So far as various proposals, both Brit. ish and French, for cancellation of thu French war debt to the United States al a separations adjustment preliminary l. Uoncaraed, Hhe st tituAe here Is that nothing can be done in that connection. certainly In advance of a reparations agreement. A! with the question of a private loan. by American bankers to Germany, an agreed basis as to what the present German economic position is. must underlay what ever steps it may seem advisable to talk, to correct that position.
 The natural reply of France to over lures from across the Atlantic, it hal been pointed out, either would be to asl favorable adjustment of the Frencl debt to the United States, if not com olete cancellation or to rcitsrate that lacking tho formal assurances of Grea Britain and the United States to conn to her aid if she was again attacked Franco must proceed toward her oWl  protection as seems best to her.
 It Is such obstacles as this, apparently that must be overcome by delicate nego
 lations with French officials if the Wash ington government Is to help clear up tn reparations muddle.
 There is no hint that the WaShinsto government is contemplating either deb cancellation or some form of assurance to France. Both projects would requir congressional approval and there Is no in dieation that 1t could be obtained nor eaGily now than heretofore. But Amer ican public opinion as to French propos als to enforce separations payments i Germany might have great weight presented by the washington government some diplomatic oDservp~s here believ, It may be in that way that 1t is hope to intervene and bring about, through joint commission or otherwise, reVie' of Gcrmany's situation economically a it iS today.