Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-07-20
The Beginning of the End.

When Secretary Stimson, on arrival
in London from Paris last night, was
asked how long he thought the seven
power conference on European economic
rehabilitation might last, he observed
that the English always try to have
things out Of the way by the time grouse
shooting sets in. That Is August IL.
Then Col. Stimson corrected himself.
Perhaps" he supplemented, Il ought
to say We'll be here as long as the
French can stand English cooking"
That is a wholly indeterminate sent
ence.
One is entitled to read between the
lines Of the Secretary of States evasive
wisecracking that nobody can possibly
prognosticate the duration OF the mo-
mentous conversations now setting IN
on the Thames. This Is another OF
those Romes that cannot be built in a
day. Patience is the supreme need OF
the hour-patience among the states
men who will sit around the conference
table and patience on the part Of the
peoples of Europe and America, who
are hanging so anxiously and hopefully
on their decisions.
II international Cancellation were ever
on trial, 1t faces such a test in this
supreme endeavor to put the European
economic house in order. At least SO
much can be said-an excellent begin
ming was made at Paris yesterday. If
the spirit that animated the French
| and German ministers during their
Sunday meetings pervades deliberations
at London, 1t should mark the begin
ming Of the end Of the travail which has
hung over the Old World since YER
sailles.
Seven nations are pooling their
wisdom and their interests in London
Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy,
Belgium. Japan and the United States.
The immediate objective Of their dis
cussions is the rescue of Germany from
financial collapse. The extensive new
credits necessary to that end will come
mainly, II not exclusively. from France,
Great Britain and the United States.
The British and the Americans are
ready. under purely financial safeguards,
to take part in the operation. The French
demand, in addition, political guar
antees.
1t was hoped that Messrs. Laval,
BRAND, Bruening and Curtius would
arrive at an understanding on this
cardinal point before the London con-
ference. They did not do SO. The
communique upon which the French
and Germans agreed. on the eve Of
their departure for England, breathes
platitud,nous pleasantries. but is devoid
of brass tacks. The political appease-
ment," which both governments pledge
themselves to achieve in sincere
realization that their mutual good would
be served by 1t, remains yet to be
evolved. But the fact that the French,
after meeting the Germans, are ready
to face the issues at London Is an
omen Of promise.
Americas representatives, Secretaries
Stimson and Mellon, will sit at the
conference tables as equals among
equals. It Is said at Washington that
they are unencumbered by 'instruc-
, tons" It may be assumed, despite this
| polite fiction, that Messrs. Stimson and
Mellon are clothed with one mandate
which may prove to be the sword that
, unties the Gordian knot. 1t Is the
| earnest will Of the Government and
| people of this country that no ounce
Of American influence be left unspent
to reconcile clashing views. To that
extent and end nobody in the United
States will object to its spokesmen
! "entangling' 1t In Europe's mesh and
mess.