Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-26

| for reformation of the universe. He
meant TO indicate that, while be hoped
through his conversations with President
Hoover to improve matters in the world
there was no expectation on either side
! that the millennium would be achieved
Now that the distinguished chief of
the French government has left wash
ington and 1t is possible to appraise the
results Of his visit it is evident that
about all M. Laval seriously had in
mind in coming here has in fact, been
accomplished Miracles, indeed. would
have been wrought II anything more
had been brought about. France,
for example, would have liked .
security past with the United States
or, failing that a so-called consultative
pact, which, in her estimation, would
have amounted to a security guarantee.
M Laval obtained neither in WASH
ington.
Both he and President Hoover were
as one in recognizing that the political
and economic instability of Central and
Eastern Europe is a factor prejudicial
alike to peace and international well
fare. But 1t became speedily evident in
the course of the Washington converse
tons that the particular European sit
uations involved are no direct concern
of the United States unless attempts
were made to remedy them by war.
Thenceforward the Hoover-Laval dis
cussions were confined to questions
which are debatable from the American
standpoint, and progress ensued.
The point at which progress became
possible was the mutual acceptance by
the President and the premier OF the
fact that economic regeneration, be-
cause Of worldwide depression, Is the
object on which craftsmanship must
concentrate. 1t was agreed, In par
ticular, that Germany requires further
financial relief-that her continuing
plight is the thing that demands I'M
mediate attention.
France, as is well known, strenuous
ly objected to the fashion in which the
current moratorium was formulated.
She claims 1t was sprung" on her. IN
queStionably M. Laval unburdened him
self freely on this score in Washington.
The result of his protestations can be
seen In the proposal that any further
action in PREPARATIONS should be on Eu-
ropean initiative and strictly within the
framework Of the Young Plan. This
means that II Germany wants more
time to pay, she must herself come
forward, as the Young Plan gives her
the right to do, and seek extended
credit on the ground that her capac-
ity to pay gives her no other choice
Then, the Plan provides, an expert
commission Of the Bank for Interna-
tional Settlements will examine the
Reich's condition and make correspond
ing recommendation to Germany's
| creditors.
The United States has no direct in
terest in reparations, but the Hoover
Laval agreement Is based on the readi-
ness Of the United States Government
to remit European war debts in full
proportion to any reparation remissions
secured by Germany. M. Laval leaves
Washington with no illusions ON this
important score. The Hoover admins
tration can only recommend that Con-
gress make war debt concessions. Power
actually to grant them is vested ex-
clusively in the House and Senate.
Public opinion is widely divided on the
ACCESSIBILITY Of bestowing further favors
upon our European debtors. 1t can
safely be foreshadowed that another
Versailles treaty fight will loom on
Capitol Hill If and when the time comes
for congressional decision on war debts
The American people, rs President
Hoover has voiced on more than one
occasion, would be more inclined to con-
slider expanding their generosity to Eu-
rope II Europe revealed greater en-
thusiasm for disarmament. Little. II
any, progress was made during NJ
Lavais visit in that realm. France
ventilated her familiar theory, without
security, no disarmament" The result
was inevitable stalemate.
! BY and large, the Laval visit wa,
vastly TO the good Of both America anc
France. II has established a communit,
Of spirit and clarity Of understanding
which did not exist before. It has mad,
sure that in the contacts the two gov.
ernments are bound to have In the i'm.
mediate future on vital internationa
issues they will approach each othel
with increased confidence and broader
tolerance Of their respective viewpoints
The worlds two greatest gold power.
mutually recognize their responsibility
for maintaining the gold standard a.
the most effective means Of stabilizin,
international exchanges. France GOV.
enantS not to make sudden withdrawal
of gold from this country, and to deSis
from any drive against the sanctity o.
the American dollar.
Viewed from any and every angle
Premier Laval's sojourn in Washington
was inestimably worth while Utopia /.
not with us yet, but this troubled earth
is better for Laval's having been among
us-as simple, as direct, as candid ans
as fortnight \ statesman IS ever se
foot on American shores.