The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-12-13
EUROPE INVITES US


1t appears that, after all, the
Hughes plan for consideration of Ger
many's resources in their relation to
Preparations has been adopted in its
main lines by the powers. With the
approval of Germany and all the allied
powers, this government has been in
vited to sit in conference on repara-
tions to devise a program looking to
the solution of the deadlock now ex-
isting, not only between Germany and
the allies, but also between France and
England. 1t is indicated that our gov
crnment will accept the invitation,
and that the inquiry will proceed
promptly at the easiest possible date.
This is not only triumph of Ameri-
can diplomacy, but, what is of more
significance, it is triumph of good
sense over prejudice among the gov
ernments, of Europe.
Hiram Johnson, to be sure, attacks
this plan, and asks whether the allies
are in need of our mathematicians, 20
add, subtract, multiply and divide. If
it were so simple as all that, our SER
vices would not be needed. That Mr..
johnson thinks it SO simple as all that
is no credit to his understanding.
There are significant questions in
volving many aspects which are legiti-
mate economic puzzles. There is prob
ably none that cannot be solved when
the facts are completely in hand, but
there is some dispute as to facts.
The proposed inquiry would first dis
cover the facts, before attempting any
opinion. Mr.. johnson also inquiries
whether we are "to fix certain def
mite sums and then enforce their col
lection" That is the absurd alterna-
tive he would like to have people be-
lieve, but people are becoming too we'll
informed for that. The allies may
decide to enforce the findings of the
committee, but our service will be
limited to giving an impartial judg
ment as to Germany's actual economic
situation with an estimate of her abil-
ity to meet the Preparations and in what
installments.
Indeed, our. function is even more
fundamental than that. AS the only
nation participating which did not
have a direct interest in the repara-
tions, either as debtor or creditor, the
United States would exercise an in
fluence and enjoy confidence of all
the others in degree not approached
ence. In this concern the United
States would at one stroke win back
much of the leadership forfeited by
our mistaken policy of the past two or
three years. 1t is further believed
that such an inquiry followed by def
mite agreement between Germany and
the entente powers would stabilize the
domestic conditions of all the coun-
tries party thereto, would stimulate
production, business and foreign COM
merce. To those who look for a ma
terialstic return from every foreign
alignment, the prospect of improved
trade relations throughout the world
should be sufficient recompense.
1t is common sense for us to join
the powers in study of actual condi-
tions. 1t would be the height of folly
for us to refuse. Fortunately, it ap-
pears that we shall not refuse, but
shall actually assume a considerable
degree of leadership in the program
of inquiry, because of our detachment
from the prejudice, national rivalries
and suspicion that have kept the pow
ers apart ever since the war. The OPP
portunity is one we cannot afford to
forego.