The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-01-09
HUGHES PROPOSAL
AWAITS DEF Unite
ACTION IN PARIS
United States Resents Move
ment of Soldiers Through
Its Zone in Germany, But
Delays Protest
BY Associated Press

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8.-Amer-
lean proposals for an inquiry into
the German PREPARATIONS problem by
a committee of financiers, have
been transmitted to Paris, but still
await definite French reaction to
the plan, although preliminary
answer has been received. No time
limit was involved in the sugges-
tions as put forward by Secretary
Hughes, it was said authoritatively
today. It was made clear that the
outline of the American thought on
the question had been sent to Paris
through official channels prior to
the premiers' meeting January 2.
Secretary Hughes did not trust
entirely to the informal method of
suggestion in his speech at New
Haven when he discussed the plan.
Although it was not indicated today
in what way the French govern
ment had been advised officially of
the American views, it was assumed
that Ambassador Jusserand was
given very definite statement for
that purpose, and that this was am
plified in later conversations.
suggestion Well Received
There has been ample evidence,
American officials hold, that the
suggestion was we'll received in some
quarters abroad.
What is lacking. apparently. is
clear understanding of the French
position with respect to the plan and
hope has not been abandoned In
Washington that it may yet proVe
a means of escape for the allied gov
ernments form the consequences
which it is believed here must follow
from drastic measures of forcible re-
parations collections.
The French reply already received
is not regarded here as conclusive.
1t leaves the way open 60 ultimate
acceptance of Mr.. Hughes sugges-
lion. it was indicated, although SO
far as can be learned, officials in
Washington are in the dark as TO
whether France will turn to the al
tentative of economic studies.
Since Mr. Hughes speech, no au-
thorized spokesman has commeheeu
IN the probale effect of the actual
seizures in the Ruhr region as plan
ned by the French. In 1t there 10
no mystery about the view in " ASH
ington as to what probably VIII ioi-
low, for the secretary frankly stateo
WI Ih0AA
views were, He pointed out that
economic authorities held that forci-
HE measuers will not produce repa-
rations payments but might tend 10
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 1t likely TO cnanse
without very definite proof that tne
French plan will produce PREPARATIONS
navments without precipitating COM
lite collapse in Germany. That, as
we'll as the proposal the international
financiers be called in. was fully
presented to all the allied powers
before the meeting of the premiers
in Paris. -.
resolution expressing the opinion
that American troops should pc
-withdrawn from the Rhine, there is
official support for the view that this
course would involve possibilities OF
Misunderstanding which it would lie
inadvisable to risk. The withdrawal.
in any case, it is held. could not add
much weight to the American views
as ia tile unwisdom of the course
that it to be pursued in the crisis
Want Troops on Rhine
American troops are wanted on the
Rhine by each of the allied nstions
and by Germany, it was said tonight.
IN the case of each nation, however,
the reason for seeking their reten-
ton in Germany is different. To order
their withdrawal. it was pointed cut,
might be taken as implying Ameri-
can Endorsement or population of
various courses Of thought in Europe
with which the movement would be
wholly uneonnected. It was strongly