The Washington herald., 1922-12-25


formal conversations with European
nations for the stabilization of con-
ditions.
The principal European powers,
II is asserted authoritatively, have
been approached informally on the
subject of a conference; and views
have been exchanged as to what
they would concede and what con-
cessions they would demand Of the
United States. These exchanges,
Il is pointed out. concern a most
delicate matter, and the executive
branch of the Government has sew
eral times expressed the view that
they must be carried on with the
utmost secrecy.
There are marked differences in
the standpoints from which the Ad-
ninistration and Senator Borah con-
slider the European problem, accord
ing to Senate leaders.
Senator Borah. il is pointed out,
apparently considers the reparations
problem an economic matter. while
in certain Administration circles it
IN regarded as more of a political
question.
Both President Harding and Sec
retary Hughes have declared them
selves strenuously opposed to any
attempt by European nations to
connect the reparations question
with the inter-alled debt. Senator
Borah asserts that for practical
purposes, the two cannot be sepa-
rated.
SPLIT OVER ISSUE.
The Idaho Senator takes the po-
sition that the economic conference
to consider the reparations prob
lem can be called without involving
the United States in the treaty of
Versailles. Administration leaders
in the Senate assert that the repa-
rations difficulty is an inseparable
part of the treaty and that the
United States cannot foster con-
ference on the subject without be-
coming hopelessly involved in the
Versailles agreement.
The administration has taken the
position that the time is not ripe
for European nations to accept any
made in the United States" solution
for their difficulties. Reports. par
ticularly from the continent, it is
asserted. have indicated an attitude
of mind not receptive of the Ameri.
can viewpoint.
Senator Borah asserts that "the
problem is here" and demands I'M
mediate consideration.
Senator BOrah's statement, issued
yesterday. follows:
The opposition to this confer
ence seems TO be along the same
lines as opposition to the Dis
armament Conference when il Was
first proposed. There was great
timidity and much opposition at
first. but more mature reflection
led to very general support.
trust such will be true in this
instance.
There are many precedents for
this kind of conference. We have
as a Government participated Of
ficially in such conferences, and
with European nations. more than
once. We have never hesiAted
10 confer with reference to eco
nomic, financial or commercial
matters. Such conferences have
never been regarded by the most
jealous advocates of our tradi-
tional policies as in contraven-
1ion of them. No public man has
been at any time in our history a
more pronounced believer in our
traditional policies than Colonel
Roosevelt. He specifically In
dorsed this kind of conference,
and regarded such conferences rs
q means OF preserving the poll
cies of Washington and Monroe.
MUST FACE PROBLEM.
For more than two years there
has been a deadlock on the ques-
ton Of reparations. 1t has 5e-
come so serious as to threaten
complete estrangement between
the leading nations which were to-
~
Europe to the very verge of eco
nomic chaos. 1t has even in :he
minds of men in high official
position in different countries
made another conflict imminent.
Naval and military men are now
advocating greater navies. and
larger armies because of serious
and threatening conditions abroad.
Every foreign office in the
world. including our own. is now
studying the reparations question.
and considering how II may he
adjusted. There is no use to talk.
therefore. about not considering
or about not dealing with it. The
only legitimate question for de-
hate Is how can we deal with II
most effectively. The problem Is
here. II il is not adjusted it will
mean kredteT suffering IN bu-
rope. and vast loss TO our pro-
ducers. and 1t may mean another
war. IL the worst should come.
we might he going to Europe on
another mission than that Of con
ferring. | repeat. the only aues-
tion is: How can we help? What
is the best method? Upon that I
have an open mind.
Europe owes us sl1 900 900 900.
Some people seem to be exercised
over the cancellation Of this debt.
I am far more exercised over
Europe's inability to pay. I have
no fear about the open cancella-
tion of this debt. But no child
now living will see its payment
IL the question of reparations is
permitted to go from had to worse
until another war takes place
We are interested in the repara-
tions question, therefore. because
we are interested in the payment
Of what Europe owes us. We are
also interested in II because we
want European markets opened to
our farm products. Millions are
hunserine and diving in Europe
for the products which are rottlng
on our Sarnna Shall We cav that