Evening star., 1924-07-27
CONFERENCE.-THE
HANGS IN BALANCE
Week End Effort Planned in
Desperate Attempt to
Bring Agreement.
HERRI0T'S POSITION WEAK
Premier Seeks to Avoid Breakdown,
But Hostility in Paris
Grows Apace.
HERRIOT'S POSITION WEAK
BY A. G. GARDINER.

by Radio to The Star.
allied conference in London still sur
wives. but it's fate hangs in the
balance. A breakup seemed in
evitable on Thursday, but Premier
Herriot will remain in London over
the week end. and desperate efforts
are being made to save the negotia-
tions from wreckage.
The writer is unable to discover
confident hopes of success in any
responsible quarter. NJ. Herriot is
desperately anxious to prevent a
breakdown, but he is clearly
conscious of the weakness of his per-
sonal position in the face of formid-
able hostility in Paris and the menace
of the Paris press which amiably
suggests that he has put his head
into cunningly prepared Anglo
American trap. Pertinax, as usual,
takes the lead in the screaming
chorus.
France Declines Guarantees.
The plain fact is that France re-
can make the Dawes scheme ef-
fective. The formula drawn up IN
regard to the declaration of default
and subsequent proceedings is wholly
Inadequate to secure the position OF
creditors to the proposed loan. II
agreeing on punitive measures.
France would be in position to
resume independent action against
Germany, as in the case OF Premier
Poincare in the Ruhr. In such cir.
cumstances what would become OF
No ora6ifnrCV
Bitter criticisms are being leyeled
against the financiers, but 1t is difficult
to see how they can weaken IN their
demands. If Germany is not guaranteed
against a revival of Poincar1sm, real
security for loan becomes a mere
shadow The struggle in London makes
it clear that France still wants two ir-
reconcilable things. reparations ana
politico-economic dominion over Ger
many.
Fear Offers Hope.
The one hope left in the gloomy situ-
alton is the universal fear OF the con-
SEQUENCES of a breakdown of the Dawes
scheme. The immediate result in Ger
many would be collapse of the renten-
mark and political and economic disrup-
ton of the country. Repercusslons IN
France would be only less serious. and
It is expected that the franc would be
badly shaken and that occupation OF the
Ruhr would again become the subject OF
furious controversy.
While this great theme Is occupying
the minds Of politicians. another inter
national question is filling the press with
the Olympic games In Paris have
shocked public opinion here. All corre-
spondents agree that the conduct OF
judges, competitors and spectators aike
has been an unprecedented outrage upon
the traditions of sport. The games have
been turned into violent Nationalist
demonstrations and, as the Times OBJ
serves. every British, American and
Italian competitor started with nVe
marks against him on account OF the
Ruhr The most outrageous incident
was that of Brousse. who bit his Eng
lish opponent and he was awarded the
verdict, although he admitted ne was
beaten on points. But Americans have
been the chief objects of the resentment
of the crowd.
British May Wfthdraw.
Discussion here turns chiefly or
whether England should withdraw "
from the games permanently. The
English boxing committee has an
nounced that it will not take part in
future competitions and every one
agrees that the program should be
much restricted. On the subject OF
total withdrawal, the newspapers are
divided. The Times thinks that, inter
is new peril to international rela-
tions and good will.
other authorities hold that with
drawal would be an unfortunate dis
play of resentment. In some quar-
ters it is suggested that the games
be continued, but that no meeting be
held in Paris until satisfactory
amends are forthcoming.
Hughes Wins Approval.
Social events of the week in Lon
don have centered in the visit OF
the American bar. The presence of
Secretary of State Hughes was much
appreciated and his public utterances
have created a good impression.
The King received the guests al
Buckingham Palace on Thursday. II
was Americas day at the palace
some six thousand American guests
being invited.
The most picturesque visitor to
London this season is the heir to
the throne of Abyssinia, to whom
! King George has presented the Abys-
sinian crown taken in the war OF
1867, and since kept in London. II
is fearfulIy and wonderfully made. II
is a pity the monarch Is condemned
to wear it. -,
Copyright, 1s24)
George Lupino, the Oldest clown and
actor in England, is also an accom-