Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-09-22
NJ. Laval in America.

FerSonal diplomacy PUBLICLY conducted
the worlds new method of graphing
with international politics-is about to
be invoked again, with Washington as
the scene of operations. President
Hoover has invited M Pierre Laval.
premier of France, to visit the United
States and confer on problems OF mu-
tual interest to those countries ard
to the disordered universe at large. 1t
is not difncult to guess the motive
which inspired the Presidents invi-
tation or the major topics to be dis
cussed when Messrs. Hoover and Laval
get together.
Gold moratorium and disarmament
are certain to comprise the theme song
Of their communings. Closely inter-
related of themselves, it is pre-eminent-
ly France and the United States which
have it in their power, at this moment,
to lead the way in the unraveling Of
all the questions gold and disarmament
connote. The French and American
peoples between them possess three
quarters Of all the monetary gold in
existence. clothing them with immeas-
urable power in the swaying Of human
destinies at time when all mankind
is clamoring for economic salvation.
Any extension of the Hoover year" Of
holiday tntergovernmental debt pay
ments depends first and last on Franco
American accord. Between them. too,
France and the United States, because
Of their military strength and wealth.
are in primary position to set the ma
tions an example in the direction Of
curtaiIed ornaments.
This country rejoices to learn from
Paris that M. Laval Is enthusiastic
over the prospect Of heart-to-heart
talk with the President of the United
States, and that the premier believes
an interview OF such nature would aid
In solution Of world problems. The
leader Of the French government may
count confidently upon a cordial well
come at Washington and at the hands
Of all our people. We retain an abiding
understanding of the problems, espe-
cially that Of security, which must re-
main paramount In the minds and
policies Of French statesmen when
asked to consider remapping either the
psychology or boundaries of Europe.
Dispatches speak of the possibility
that NJ. Laval may present himself at
Awlxy 10
month. That he would consent to de-
tach himself from governmental pre-
occupations In France at so critical an
hour is evidence of the Importance the
premier attaches TO the Journey. He
viii have undertaken it on the heels Of
his visit with the heads Of the German
government at Berlin. There can
hardly be any doubt that there Is .
certain calculated coincidence Of plans
in the circumstance that the projected
conference at Washington should dove
tail 50 closely into the conversations
to be held this week between Messrs.
Laval and BRAND and Messrs. Bruening
and Curtius.
At Washington, Is at other world
capitals. there is complete recognition
Of the necessity Of q Franco German
Impeachment before the disarmament
problem can be tackled with any hope
Of practical solution. Mr.. Hoover told
the international Chamber Of Com
merce here In May that he looks upon
mounting ornaments, and the refusal
Of the military and naval powers to
check their growth, as the fundamental
cause Of economic chaos. With dis
armament the question Of reparations
is not wholly disconnected, for the
French fear Germany relieved Of war
damage obligations would put the
money into weapons Of revenge.
There will be no lack Of material for
the Hoover-Laval agenda.