The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1923-04-02
WORLD FARLEY
ONEG0VO|NICS
PLANNED
Conference Under American
Auspices Is Proposal OF
Business Men.
By ROBERT 8. THORNBURGH,
International News Service.

/ International news OeFNlCes
Calling OF a world economic con-
ference under American auspices,
possibly in Washington, is regarded
as a likely outcome Of the national
meeting Of the Chamber Of Com;
nerce of the United States in New
York, May to 10. 1t was learned
here today.
Julius Barnes, president of the
commercial body, who is In Europe
studying economic conditions follow
| ing the convention of the Interna-
tional Chamber OF Commerce at
Rome, IL expected to tell the Amerl-
can gathering that Europe's trou-
bles are more political than eco
n0n1ic.
Barnes, feeling business men
should step in TO seek solution OF
world commercial difficulties where
diplomats have failed, is said to
favor the economic conference In
tha United States.
Experts to Discuss It.
The Rome convention. 1t was
pointed out, shows there isna new
trend OF thought among Business
men, who believe governments of
the world should be placed on a
strictly business basis, and that
economic factors be given prece-
dence over those OF political nature.
Preliminary to the national cham
Der OF commerce meeting, consider.
able light on the attitude OF Ameri.
can business to further participa-
ton in world affairs is expected to
be reflected in New Orleans, May
to s, when the National Foreign
Trade Council holds its annual
meeting.
Business and economic experts,
including Chairman James A. Far.
rel. OF New York, and DR.. Jera-
miah jerks, who was president OF
the Berlin conference in November,
1922. will discuss proposals for CIV
ing the, world potent economic
laxative.
Rusiness men are more or less
skeptical as to the possibilities Of
economic conferences, since sixteen
meetings Of this character have
ended In Europe without result.
However, It was admitted with
the prestige OF United States back
OF such q venture a conference in
Washington might prove a. clearing
house for business opinions of the
world, give the various delegates
Insight into troubles and problems
OF the other and possibly would
bring about some agreements to
put the world back on its feet.
IT was pointed out many dele
gates to international conferences
are unofficial observers who have
no power to commit their govern
ments or people to action, while on
the other hand other delegates
stand for definite policies and per-
NIT conferences to go into dead
lock rather than yield their posi-
TONS.
Reforms Expected.
Economic experts, both official
and unofficial, agreed a conference
to. get results must bring about
the following international reforms:
First-SettlemeTl of reparations
and international debts.
Second-Balanced budgets Of all
nations.
Third-Stabilization Of exchange
to end currency fluctuations.
Fourth-Cess ton OF issuance OF
paper money unsupported by metal
reserve.
Authorities declared an economic
conference can hope for nothing
but failure where the plans to re.
turn to normal conditions are based
on foundations themselves on
economic. a condition which marked
the. economic gatherings in Europe.
In spite of all difficulties, trade
Is flowing between countries. How.
ever. It is the aim Of business men
to remove the many obstacles to
unrestricted commerce which mark
the present markets.
just what relation there would be
between an American economic con.
ference and the United States Gov.
eminent is a matter of speculation,
but 1t. was pointed out that, Secre.
tary. Of Commerce Hoover could
probably be persuaded to join in
the deliberations OF the conference
either officially or unofficIally. He
is in close touch with the Eu,
ropean situation.
The American delegates to. the
Rome. meeting are now on a tour
of Europe. They. are to make a
close examination of the Ruhr
situation and OF internal conditions
in Germany prior to return to
United States in time for the New
York convention.
II