Evening star., 1926-11-21
COTTON AID SEEN .
IN WORLD PARLEY
American Participation in
Economic Conference Vital,
Says Thomas Page.
By Cable to The Star and New York World

By Cable to The Star and New York World.
GENEVA, November 20.--AmericA
participation in the international eco
nomic conference May is regarded
as vital necessity for allevtatiop OF
the troubles of Southern cotton grow.
ers and the agricultural problems OF
the Middle West, as well as allevta'
tion of the difficulties Of Importing
rubber, coffee and other restricted
commodities. according to the co9sen.
sus of the American members OF the
preparatory committee, which has
just completed the agenda-
Without exception the members of
the committee and League Of Nations
economic experts are exultant over
the progress made and the worldwide
interest displayed by big business as
we'll as governments. The almost
complete absence of political ranifica-
tions thus far is regarded as a happy
augury of the advantages to be gained
by unrestricted discussions among the
several hundred specialized authort-
ties who will participate.
Cooperation Called Vital.
Summing up the American viewg
Thomas Walter Page. former chair
man of the Tariff Commission, said
today:
Economically, it is most vital for
America to cooperate intelligently
and whole-heartedly with Euro
pean nations to straigh:en out the
economic difficulties. which are bound
to have an increasingly devastatInE
effect on Americas future prosperity
In the world conference. rather than
in Washington, American wheat grow
ers and cotton producers will find so
1trtfn nf fhnir. WaGhinRfOn
legislation is at best only palliative so
long as restrictive trade conditions are
unren1oved.
'Re-establishing of the free flow of
trade to the best markets instead OF
artificial control of trade channels Is
an imperative need of the moment.
America. because of the vagarfes OF
the World War, has not been affected
seriously by postwar cOllapSes. How
ever, the future of foreign trade and
industrial prosperity depends directly
on EurpOe's purchasing power at least
in the next generation.
Inability to buy on the part of
Europe is reflected in Americas ag-
ricultural and cotton crisis. Europe's
restrictive situation is directly af-
fecting Americas purchase of rubber
and other commodities. International,
clean-cut economic rather than do
mestic policital considerations will
bring solutions"
Skeptical OH l.. $. Attitude.
While not anticipating opposition
on the part of the Washington ad-
n1inistration, since the conference is
not political and wholly consultative.
Mr.. Page is frankly skeptical regard
ing its attitude.
There is no reason for America to
fear a prosperous Europe" he said.
I'VE have been entirely too oblivious
to the continents troubles and self
centered in our own conceits. Europe
does not know about the McNary-
Haugen bill and the administrations
proposal of dumping. but it certainly
will find out when the best qualified
authorities on agriculture. industry
and finance assemble to review these
ailments. The concensus of that sort
will inevitably influence thought and
national discussions on economic ques-
tions in countries where reforms are
most desired. Nobody expects i'm
mediate results, but it would be crimi-
nal for any country, especially the
United States, to remain aloof and
Iunsympathetic.'
A. W. Gilbert. II. s. Thompson and
Mr.. Page are leaving for the United
States tomorrow, determined to stir
up the interest of American industry
in the desirability of participa ton.