The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-07-21
OF WORLD IMPORTANCE

OF WORLD IMPORTANCE
 The event of outstanding importance in the world today is the conference in London regarding the details and formal application of the plan of the experts for German rehabilitation and resump- tion of reparations payments. This is the first interallied conference at which the present premiers of France, England and Germany have been in attendance. Therefore, the outcome of the negotia- tions is not practicable. Yet there is general opinion that the new elements that have been introduced into the dip lomatic situation within the past few months will bring about developments hitherto impeded in one way and an- other The Socialists are in power in France, but their power is based on a narrow margin and might easily be up- set. The Labor party is in control in England, but does not constitute ma jority. It exists by virtue of the favor of the Conservatives, and may be re- called from the leadership at will. A more liberal government is exercising authority in Germany and more con ciliatory attitude towards foreign obli- gations is everywhere manifest in that country, except among the monarchists Italy's fascist representatives partake of the general inclination to businesslike settlement of international troubles, thus leaving Belgium as the only nation di- rectly concerned whose diplomatic lead ership has not been profoundly affected by recent political changes.
 It would appear that one of the great est obstacles to the success of the con- ference has already been surmounted, in that the experts plan has already been formally approved in principle by each chancellory concerned. There remains to work out the details of applying the outlines of the plan to the existing sit- uation. This in itself would not be a difficult process. Indeed, it is reported that one-third of the plan has already been satisfactorily organized. The rest of it would be equally expedited, were it not for one troublesome factor. That fac tor is the existence of international jeal- ousies, including French suspicion of German motives and the unhappy Ger man official faculty of exhibiting de- meanor that alienates rather than at tracts those with whom they seek to deal. Nevertheless, there appears to be an un- dertone of serious purpose to suppress national prejudice in order that the mu- tual welfare may be forwarded.
 Under Premier Herriot, for example, it is possible that the French military policy in the Ruhr will be modified in the interests of the general harmony. This course should be easy for M. Herriot as he is not personally committed to the policy and should not feel that its mod ification would be any reflection upon his own record. Perhaps M. Herriot per- ceives that the Ruhr policy has already accomplished its purpose of emphasizing the importance of business settlement of the controversy. The German govern ment is apparently committed to the view that German can and should pay her treaty obligations, an attitude which should go far towards reconciling the French. It is believed that Germany and France are the two parties to the situa- ton most difficult to conciliate. They have both experienced internal reactions that should partially bridge the gulf at the outset.
 The whole world is intensely concerned in the outcome of the conference, for, just as the well-being of the whole world has been disturbed continuously for ten years because of the war and the unset tied condition of Europe since the war, so the peace and welfare of the whole world will be forwarded by satisfactory and permanent agreement at this time. Failure of the conference when the aus- pices for its success are so propitious would be a world calamity. Therefore, there rests upon the conferees respon- sibility far greater than they owe to their respective governments. It is an obli- gation to humanity to settle the trouble now. It is hoped that the influence of the United States observers at the con- ference will be effective in promoting harmony and expediting definite agree ment.