The Bismarck tribune., 1931-06-23
French Answer
to Hoover Plan
Expected Soon

Continued from page one)
possible plans. The first calls fo1
suspension Of conditional and uncon-
ditional payments alike, the second
allows only for moratorium Of the
conditional. r
A one Of the biggest sufferers In
the war, France became amcng the
largest beneficiaries through re.
construction payments, which are
classed as unconditional. The loss OF
these, it was reported, would be felt
keenly.
President Hoover, however, in his
announcement Of the plan, included
"all payments on intergovernmenta
debts owing the important credito,
powers and 1t was said unequivo-
cally yesterday that he meant both
conditional and unconditional obi
cations.
Hoover Polling Congress
President Hoover is making com.
plete canvass Of all members Of the
senate and house to ascertain their
attitude toward his proposed war
debt-reparations holiday.
It was said at the white house
Tuesday that Hoover had talked to
all members of the house and senate
in washington and had consulted
with many of them by telephone.
Those he could not reach by those
methods he has telegraphed or cabl-
ed.
The white house did not indicate
how complete the poll was up to date,
but 1t was said that over SO per cent
Of the two memberships had replied.
Among those the president consult
ed personally was Senator Harrison
Democrat, of Mississippi, who arriv-
ed in the capital today.
After his conference with the chief
executive the Mississippi Democrat
refused to comment.
French Notified First
High authorities at the state de-
partment said France was the first
nation notified when President Hoo
yer decided to act.
This informant said there had been
no preliminary discussion Of the plan
with any other nation. but that the
president had been following the sit
uation in Germany with keen solici-
tude and acted when the financial
crisis indicated that unless he did SO
at once disaster was imminent. 1t
was added France was notified last
Friday.
Meanwhile, President Hoover laid
aside all other matters to devote his
entire attention to the proposal and
watched closely the reaction of the
world to his suggestion.
Secretary Stimson remained away
from the cabinet meeting this morn
ing and worked at his home on a
statement he is to give the country
tonight over the radio, outlining the
reasons behind President Hoovers ac-
ton.
The secretary will make 15-min-
ute talk over both the National and
the Columbia networks. beginning at
10 o'clock, eastern standard time.
Wants Wheat Sold
A suggestion that the United States
dispose of its surplus wheat by SELL
ing it to debtor countries in return,
for suspending interest payments on
the war debts was made to President
Hoover by Representative Andersen
Republican, Minnesota.
In an open letter to the president
Andersen proposed the farm board
sell wheat now held by its agencies
to Germany. France, England and
Italy at the market price and that
interest payments due from these
countries during the next fiscal year
be suspended for 10-years.
Commencing the presidents plan
for suspending payment on all inter-
governmental debts for one year. the
Minnesota representative said the
plan should be carried a step further
in order to give relief to the American