Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-10
SEEK TO REDUCE
TOTAL WAR DAMAGE
ASKED BY U. S. GOVT,

Paris, Jan. 9.-(By A. P.)-Great
Britain and the United States are
getting together slowly but nor
mally" on the American repa-ations
claims which are to finally come be-
fore the conference of allied finance
ministers in session here.
At the end of today's informal
discussions and conferences it was
apparent that the representatives of
both English speaking countries
were trying to drive hard bargain.
Winston Churchill, British chancel-
Tor of the eXchequer, wishes to econ
omize, and the American estimate
of war damage claims, tentatively
fixed at $3.50 900, is likely to be
whitfield down before the Anglo
SaXons finally reach the expected
accord.
American Ambassadors Herric-S
and kellogg. with James A. Logan,
Jr., United States representative
with the reparations commission,
are standing their grounds. but the
negotiations for the time being are
up to the respective governments o.
England and America.
The continental delegations arc
watching the apparent deadlock be-
tween the two principal countries
with Unsurpassed chucwles.
Belgium's assent TO the reduction
OF her Spa allotment of reparations
from eight to five and one half, and
perhaps five per cent, if necessary,
appears to have been the only for
ward step made today. Complete
accord also has not been reached on
the Belgian position, as the latter
contends she still has about 2oO,-
600, 900 gold francs due her on her
priority claims. Experts will go over
u mass of figures and report to the
delegates Monday just exactly what
Belgium has actually received.
The American war damage claims
settlement, however, remains the
most important matter before the
conference. Three full days have
elapsed since the conference con-
vened and the days, except for two
very brief plenary sessions, have
been almost entirely occupied by I'M
official and private conversations be-
tween the members to reach COM
promise.
The net result is that late tonight
Ambassador Herrick and Mr..
Churchill are awaiting further in
structions from Washington and
London. Despite assurances of both
| delegations shat an accord will GER
| tainly be reached.
The slowness in arriving at an
, agreement is causing a feeling OF
surprise among the European dele
| cations from which 4 certain touch
| of satisfaction is not altogether alb
| sent.
Among the representatives COM
| ment one hears undisguised chuck
lings and references to the Anglo
| Saxon customary advocacy of open
! diplomacy and greater show o;
! confidence between European ma
lions. Comment from. the Eul opean
| sources is that England and Amer
| lea find it difficult matter to agree
when it becomes q question IF dol
lars and sterling. 1t is pointed out
| that the only tangible progress made
during the last three days has beer
acceptance of the Belgian announce
ment that they were ready to aban-
don portion of their priority pei
centage under the Spa agreement.
! Absolute secrecy is maintained
concerning Anglo-American negotia
| tions. but il is understood that the
British are insisting upon the re.
duction of the amount of the $3.50.
100000 which has been tentatively
put forward by the Americans as
their war damage claims. Ambassa-
dor Kellogg and Mr.. Logan had &
long conference this afternoon and
at its conclusion, sent a cablegran
to Secretary of State Hughes out
lining the respective positions. Botl
| sides know they must get together
before going into full session of the
conference Monday. and that tc
reach an accord there must be com,
| promises all along the line.