The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-04
Atmosphere of Doubt and Apprehension at Repara- tions Conference Causes Tightening Grip on Atten-
 ton of American Officials
APPROACHING STORM IN
 SENATE ALSO IN SIGHT
Ambassador to England Spends Entire Day at White House and State Department
 But Silence Pervades All Circles on the Situation
By Associated Press

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3.-The reparation impasse in Europe took a tightening grip on the attentions of official Washington today as the allied premiers again assembled and adjourned in Paris in gener- al atmosphere of doubt and appre- hension.
 George Harvey, American ambas- sador at London, summoned home to contribute his knowledge of the situation, spent the day at the White House and the state depart ment, but if his conferences led to any definite decision, 1t was guard ed scrupulously.
 In the Senate, where the admin istration's attitude toward repara- tions so recently weathered three day tempest of debate, there were signs of another approaching storm, centering this time around a proposal by Senator Robinson, dem- ocrat, Arkansas, to authorize Amer ican representation on the repara- tions commission.
 May Weigh Tremendously Everywhere there was ample evil dence that the Paris conference was watched from Washington with deep realization that what is sa Id and done there may weigh tr5ar2-- dously in determining the American future policy. Outwardly there was a shadow of confidence that the threatened break between Great Britain and France somehow will be avoided but inwardly the govern ment appeared to be asking itself again the questions prcpounded by Secretary Hughes at New Haven; Can the United States help in this matter? If statesmen cannot agree and such an alternative is faced, what can be done? Is there not another way out?'
 Ambassador Harvey Busy
 What may be the precise role Of Colonel Harvey in the present Amer ican deliberations remained an un- answered questions. If he brought any suggested plan from any foreign government, it was not revealed. If he received from President Harding or Secretary Hughes any new pro- posal to take abroad that also was obscured completely behind cloak Of silence.
 From the time of his arrival in Washington last night until late this afternoon the ambassador remained secluded at the White House. When he emerged he was impervious to all questions relating to- foreign rela- tions. He crossed to the state de- partment and for an hour was alone with Secretary Hughes. Then he returned to the White House where he is the guest of the Presi- dent and referred all inquiries to the secretary who said it had been q general talk"
 Hnrvey's Visit Uncertain How long Colonel Harvey will re- main in Washington seems likely to be determined by the course that may be taken by events abroad. He said today that it depended on when he got his sailing orders" There was a general impression, however. that his presence here was desired while fhe council of premers Is pass ing through it's most critical stages. so that he can give his personal back ground of information in determining what steps, if any, it is desirable to take.
 There was no indication tonight i.that any step had been decided on. or that the situation with regard. to an extension of American aid had ad- vanced in any way since Secretary Hughes threw out in his New Haven speech the suggestion that a com mission of financial authorities in- cluding Americans. inquire into Germany's ability to pay. Neither has it been explained why Mir. Hughes selected the eve ofe the Paris con ference for making his suggestion. or whether he made il knowing be- ! forehand the attitude of the Euro pean powers toward it.
 It is certain that before the speech
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