The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1923-01-29
HARVEY PRAISES
BRITISH DEBT
ENVOY
American Ambassador Is Back
in London-Ready to
Advise on Loan.
BY DAVID M. CHURCH,
International NsWn service.

LONDON, Jan. 90. - George
Harvey, American ambassador to
England who was recalled to re-
port to the United States Govern
ment upon European affairs, ar
rived from Washington today and
announced that he is ready to ad-
wise upon the Anglo-American
debt negotiations IL his services
are desired.
Refuses to Discuss Debt.
Ambassadors Harvey refuses to
discuss the British debt issue In
detail. nor would he disclose what
part he will play In future nego-
tiAtiona.
~ am ready to advise II called
upon," he said.
It Is understood that when the
cabinet meets, q group Of members
will propose that Britain accept the
American terms for a per cent
interest rate during the first ten
years, providing the United States
will agree to reconsider and enter
into new negotiations at the end
Of the tefi-year period.
The ambassador was questioned
about the statement he was re.
ported to have made that the
United States is damned well out
of Europe"
"oh. I cannot say anything
Rs indication ne that rapse he h ni sssa
Harvey was f,,lsona IN hia
praise Of Stanley Baldwin. chan
cellor OF the British exchequer,
who headed the British debt fund
ing commission to Washington.
"Mr. Baldwin made q good i'm.
preston In the United States, I"
said the ambassador. "A better
man could not have been chosen
for the work. He appealed to
American sentiments as no other
English statesman has done since
Lord Bryce. He understood Ameri.
can result from the Anglo-Ameri.
can negotiations as they were han.
died by the British Chancellor OF
the Exchequer."
Baldwin Visits Law.
Chancellor Baldwin conferred with
Premier A. Bonar Law for several
hours this morning. It was Off
cially indicated that Great Britain
is displeased with the American re-
action to the interview given out by
Saturday. There Ii feeling that
technical points were raised in
Washington belonging the public
mind as to the exact amount of inter
est that Britain would have to pay
upon the $4,000, 00O, 900 debt.
Colleagues of the premier said
that he was more than surprised at
the frank manner in which Chan"
cellor Baldwin had discussed the
issue with the press.
It was formally denied that Am
bassador Harvey has brought a new
American funding plan from Wash
ington.
Cabinet Meets Tomorrow.
Harvey's arrival again brought
the British debt issue to the front.
The British Cabinet will meet to-
morrow to hear a detailed report
on the Washington negotiations
from Chancellor Baldwin. It is
likely Harvey's views will be
sought by cabinet members In or
der to balance them against the
opinions expressed by the British
official.
There are indications that the
Cabinet is going to have difficult
time reaching a decision. The press
is divided. some urging rejection,
other acceptance OF the American
terms.
Those who counsel acceptance
point out that Britain could save
money by adopting the American
conditions with their 3 per cent in
terest instead Of continuing to pay
per cent, the temporary rate.
There IL another consideration: Ger
tain members Of the Government
believe that acceptance will cement
the friendly relations between the
two nations and perhaps assist
Britain in persuading the United
States to assist in settling the
European problems.
Standard Backs Baldwin.
The Evening Standard supports
the attitude Of Chancellor Baldwin.
who wants the American terms &C.
cepted. This paper believes that the
terms are the best obtainable. 1t
holds that American press criticism
is due to super -sensitiVeneas," The
newspaper added:
But while the terms are best
from a commercial standpoint, they
are scarcely oongruous with Ameri-
can propaganda for renting allied
claims upon Germany. Many Britons
are unable to Danish tho reflection
that but for the Difference paid to
American idealisrn in the peace con-
ference. the question of our debt to
the United States today would DO OF
little Importance"
The Tory neWspaDar. Morning
Post urged payment. saying; 1T is
neither just nor reasonable to regard
war debts as ordinary commercial
obligations, but we are too proud
to default"
The Westminster Gazette recon-
mended acceptance to prove that
Great Britain is not thriftless
nation,
Ambassador Harvey appeared to
be in the best of health upon his
arrival, He said he had a good
voyage and felt fit to take up his
duties where he left off last month.