Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-01-09

with respect to the pan nd lope
has not been abandoned in Wash
ington that it may yet prove means
OF escape for the Allied governments
from the consequences which it is
believed in official quarters here
must flow from drastic measures of
forcible reparations collections
The French reply already received
is not regarded here IS conclusive.
1t leaves the way opep to ul-' mate
acceptance of Mr.. Hughes sugges-
ton. 1T was indicated, aithous h 10
far as can be learned, officials in
Washington are in the lark as to
whether France will turn to the al
tentative of economic studies.
Since Mr.. Hughes speech at New
Haven, no authorized spokesman has
commented on the probab bic effect of
actual seizures in the Ruhr region
as planned by the French. Yet there
is no mystery about the view in
Washington as to what probably will
follow, for the secretary frankly
stated in his New Haven address
what those views were. He pointed
out that economic authorities held
that forcible measures will not pro
duce separations payments hut
might tend to destroy the basis OF
those payments which must be
found in economic recuperation."
The view OF the Washington gov
eminent on this point has not
changed nor is it likely to change
without very definite proof that the
French plan is workable and will
produce Preparations payments with
out preipitating complete collapse
in Germany. That viewpoint as we'll
as the proposal that international
tinancicrs be called in was fully pre-
scented to all the Allied powers be-
fore the meeting OF the premiers in
Paris.
Despite action of the Senate in
the resolution expressing the opln-
ion that American troops should be
withdrawn from the Rhine. there is
official support for the view that this
course would involve possibilities OF
misunderstanding which it would he
inadvisa Bile to risk. The withdraw
al. in any case. it is held, could not
add much weight to the American
views as to the unwisdom of the
course that is to be pursued in the
crisis.
American troops arc wanted on the
Rhine by each of the Allied nations
ana ny Nt'IildHN, II Was Sdfu ttili = !.
In the case Of each nation. however,
the reason for seeking their retention
in Germany is different. To order their
withdrawal. it was pointed out. might
be taken as implying American en-
dorscment or reputation of various
courses of thought in Europe with
which the movement would be wholly
unconnected. it was strongly indicated
that the troops would not be recalled
at present.
1t was also indicated that the Unit
cd States government would make no
protest against passage of French
troops through the American zone en-
route to the Ruhr. Lack Of protest in
that event. however. should not he con-
Strued as a cquiesence in the French
program. it was added authoritativcly.
nor would tho French government 50
interpret it. ~rhc views of the Amcri-
can government were fully known and
protest would be withheld. it was indi-
Gated. as there was no prospect that
it could sway the French determination
to proceed.
Discussion Of the separations prob
lem is still proceeding in government
circles here. Secretary Hughes today
gave a luncheon in honor of Ambassa-
dor Harvey and Vice President Cool
idge and other prominent officials were
among the guests. Senator Lodge
plans on Thursday to entertain Mr..
Harvey at his home and members of
the Senate foreign relations commit
tee viii then have an opportunity for
informal and frank exchange of views
ard information on European matters.
Plans of the Chamber of Commerce
of the United States that bear on the
rcparations crisis also may he given
impetus by the arrival in Washington
tomorrow of julius II. Barnes. prcsi-
dent of the chamber. Mr.. Barnes has
been commissioned by the chamber to
da all in his power to promote recuper-
alton Vt urope for it., effect on Amer
lean foreign trade and already has
taken some steps toward a new BUSH
ness movement to intervene in the rep
arationS situation.