The New York herald., 1922-01-11
HARDING WITHHOLDS
DECISION ON GENOA
Waits for Full Report From
Harvey on Phases of Eco
nomic Conference.
ADJUSTMENT HERE FIRST
Shifting of Armament Parley's
Unsettled Questions Is
Opposed.
ADJUSTMENT HERE FIRST
by LOUIS sEIBOLD.

Special Dispatch to THE NEW YohK HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau.
Washington, ID. G.. Jan. 10.
Complete silence was maintained by
officials of the United States Govern
ment to-day regarding its probable
attitude toward the international eco
nomic conference called to meet at
Genoa In March.
President Harding and Secretary
Hughes declined to enter into any dis
cussion of the gathering. II was indi-
Gated In other official quarters that no
decision would be reached on the par
ticipation of this country in the func-
tion arranged by Premiers Lloyd
George and BRAND until Ambassador
Harvey. who is looking on at Cannes,
had made a full report covering his
observations and conclusions
Coupled with the reticence of Amer
lean officials as to their intentions re-
garding the Genoa gathering, an un-
expected phase of the Washington
conference which developed to-day is
looked upon as of more than passing
Importance. 1t has been apparent for
the last week that this Government
would exercise extreme caution in
committing itself to the support Of
and participation in any conference
project.
Unnecessary Haste Opposed.
Hence it is the conclusion OF expert
delegates are proceeding with the ut
most deliberation regarding pending
settlements OF questions on the agenda
OF the Washington conference. Their
position Is understood TO be that there
should be no unnecessary haste in
making as complete a Job of the sub
jects still unsettled until there is a
more definite understanding regard
ing the Genoa project.
This desire to make haste slowly
in winding up the Washington con-
| ference was the outstanding feature OF
international developments to-day. II
Mr.. Balfour and some OF the other
foreign representatives. who had fig
ured on leaving Washington within
the next ten days. IL was announced
on behalf OF Mr.. Balfour this after
noon that while he still retained tenta-
tive reservations on steamships leav-
ing New York next week his move
uents would be governed entirely by
the exigencies of the conference situa-
ton.
The American delegates declined Ia
make any predictions on the probable
duration Of the conference. or. In fact
to speculate even rs TO the date OF
the next plcnary session. although one
was expected tomorrow or Thursday
In doing so they did not convey the
impression that any new complica-
tions had arisen regarding either the
naval or Far Eastern problems still "a
be settled.
DO Not share Same Opinion.
Their statements. however, did cre-
ate the impression that the delegates
of this country do not share the opln-
ion that several matters on the arma-
ments and Far East agenda can be in.
trusted TO commissions or passed along
to some future international gather
ing. Their attitude has justified the
assumption that great deal more i'm
portance is attached to the prospective
conclusions reached at the conference
in Cannes than has been generally be-
lieved.
/
This desire of European Govern
ments to have the United States par
Continued on Page Two.