Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-12-19
European Affairs d.
Hinge Around Row
Over Preparations

Washington. Dec. Establishment
of the reparations dispute between
London and Paris is the crux Of the
European tangle, in the American
viewpoint. as stated here today on
competent authority. Talk of any
American loan to Germany was de-
scribed as idle" until such an ad-
justment had been made.
1t was also made clear that the
question of Allied war debts to the
United States is not viewed in Wash
ington as involved in the Anglo
! French differences as to the amount
Germany can pay. Beyond this off
cial spokesman refused to go in out
lining what the Washington govern
ment 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
inquiries as to whether Germany had
again sought American intervention
in the Preparations difficulty.
With the field of speculation thus
narrowed, however, 1t was evident in
unofficial talk today that admins
tration hopes that American influ-
ence can aid in the European situa-
, TO
be based on possibilities that may be
seen of bringing British and French
thought into harmony as to Ger
many's present economic plight and
capacity to pay. Since time lacks
for any lengthy process of examin-
alton on that point before eXpira-
ton Of the moratorium Jan. 10.
there was tendency to believe that
the Washington government had
some hope of causing at least a de-
lay in definite action by France after
that time. pending further light from
recognized expert authorities.
In 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 it's SEES
sion in Paris Jan. >, is to be ex-
pected.
Presumably Germany is not only
willing, but anxious that the Wash
ineton government join in the dis
cussion of reparations. 1t was also
indicated in Paris and London this
month, before the council Of pre-
miers met. that an American repre-
! sentative to sit with the premiers
officially or unofTicially, would be ac-
ceptable.
So far as various proposals, both
British and French, for cancellation
Of the French WAY debts to the
United States as PREPARATIONS adjust.
ment preliminary. is concerned, the
attitude here is that nothing can be
done in that connection, certainly in
advance of a reparation agreement
AS with the question of a private
loan by American bankers to Ger
many. an agreed basis as to what
the present German economic posi-
ton is must underlay whatever
steps it may seem advisable to take
to correct the position.
The natural reply of France TO
ovcrtures from across the Atlantic.
it has been pointed out. either would
be to ask a favorable adjustment Of
the French debt to the United States.
il not complete cancellation, or to
reitcrate that, lacking the formal
assurances of Great Britain and the
United States to come to her aid If
she was again attacked. France must
proceed toward her own protection
as seems best to her. II Is such OBJ
stacles as this. apparently tf;a1 must
be overcome b. Leiicate aegotia-
tions with French officials if the
Washington government is to help
clear up the reparations muddle.
There is no hint that the Wash
ington government is contemplating
either debt cancellation or some
form of assurances to France. Both
projects would require Congressional
approval and there is no indication
that it could be obtained more easily