Evening star., 1925-09-24
Visiting Minister
Declares Nation
Wants to Pay.
STRESSES THANKS
FOR HELP IN WAR
Effect Upon World of Set
tlement Is Pointed
Out by Mellon.

Documents which in effect con-
stitute a French offer for settlement
of that nations S4,000,000,000 debt to
the United States were submitted to
the American Debt Commits sion to-
day at the first meeting between
the French and American negotia-
tors.
Although the character of the pro-
posal was not made public, it was
established that to at least some
members OF the American Commis-
sion it was not acceptable as drawn.
1t was apparent that further
trading would be necessary and
there was no inclination in Treasury
circles to feel that an impasse had
been reached.
The documents submitted were IN
the form of statements outlining
Frances general position, and. as
drawn, brought immediate objection
from a section of the American COM
mission.
Call Another Meeting.
Alter an hours Joint meeting with
the French, the Americans held a
separate. meeting, and called another
for later in the day to continue con-
sideration of the subject
Secrecy surrounded the meeting
except for the formal statements
containing the brief address of NJ.
Caillaux and Secretary of the Treas
ury Mellon. But as the French FL
nance Minister had indicated fre-
quently his eagerness to get down
to the business, and as the two
commissions were closeted for near
ly an hour. there were indi-
cations from other than official cir
cles afterward leading to the be-
lief that the French placed
before the Americans at least a gem
eral basis for discussion of funding
the French debt of more than four
billion dollars.
Close Is Significant.
Significant in the brief address of
M. CaillauN was this concluding
sentence declaring that now II you
wish we will go to work as prac-
tical men, desirous to come to set
tlement satisfactory for all material
interests worthy of the past of the
two great nations, combined in such
a way as to fortify peace and help
the economic status of the world"
Further indications that something
more than a perfunctory meeting
took place today was seen in the fact
that Immediately after the joint ses-
sion the American commission re-
turned to the conference room after
numerous photographs had been
taken.
Meetings Over for Day.
Although there was no official an
nouncement as to the next meetings,
il was understood that the french
would not meet the Americans again
until tomorrow. as Nj. CalliauH, III
departing, bade farewell to the Amer
icans until that time.
On the other hand, it was Indicated
Indirectly that there had been no de-
cision as yet as to whether the next
Joint meeting would be held this att
ernoon or tomorrow.
In their exchange of greetings, Nj.
Caillaux and Secretary Mellon REFER
red to the cooperation of the two
countries during the war. and each
Indirectly forecast success for the
debt parley.
The item of sentiment which cur
rent discussion had expected to enter
largely into the French cause, seemed
notably absent, the French finance
minister referring to the two commls-
sions as practical men" and Secre-
tary Mellon referring to them as
business men.
The atmosphere of hope for sue
cessful conclusion to the negotiations
continued unabated today. Both dele
cations appeared personally to be IN
good spirits.
Already tentative plans have been
made by the French commission to
sail from New York on October 3.
Secrecy Is Maintained.
The American commission in its
own session after the joint meeting
adjourned shortly before 1890 o'clock.
The attitude of secrecy as to exactly
what took place in addition to the
openfng statements was continued.
American officials would not admit or
deny that the French commission
had left on the table document.
This policy of the closed door is not
peculiar to the French negotiations,
as during the recent Belgian parley
and at the other times, and Americans
have proceeded under the same plan.
The American commission may hold
another meeting later today. it was
indicated. to go, further into the mat
ters before il. 1t was the first ses-
sion his morning that has been held
by the American commission since
the Belgian funding was accomplished
and there were other matters besides
the French debt to occupy it's at
tention. The next meeting of the two
commissions will be held tomorrow
following the cabinet meeting at the
White House.
Going to White House.
Tonight at o'clock President Cool
idge entertains at the White House
both the French and American COM
missions. Much significance is being
attached to this function, as 1t is felt
the President has taken more than or
binary interest In the progress of the
negotiations, and may take occasion
to promote the feeling of cordiality
and friendship, which may continue to
speed progress. 1t was understood to-
day that another important guest will
be Senator Borah, chairman of the
Senate committee on foreign relations.
Earlier in the evening, about $50,
NJ. Caillaux has promised to see the
l newspaper men at the embassy in a
conference.
The brisk French laader presents a
picturesque and vivid personality. Ar
irving at the Treasury at about 10
, Continued. on Page 2, Column g.,