Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-06-16
MCDONALD PLEADS
FOR AMERICAN AID.
Help of u. S. Is Vital Now,
He Tells Delegates
at Lausanne.
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, June 10
Europe cannot act alone, but must
have the help of the United States in
solving the worlds economic troubles,
Prime Minister Ramsay Macdonald OF
Great Britain asserted today as the
delegates Of IA nations opened a con-
ference on reparations and war debts
here.
This is a time for bold proposals, +"
he said. The United States has en-
couraged us to believe it will cooperate
in some OF the wider problems and
join us in devising a policy for the
encouragement of trade and the en-
richment of nations"
His address, after his election as
chairman of the conference, was the
only one Of major Importance in
session which lasted a little over an
hour. The continuing economic crisis,
he said. is the worst with which the
world has ever been afflicted. It
amounts to world catastrophe"
World Impatient"
I'VE meet under the shadow of the
most ominous economic crisis which
ever afflicted the world in time Of
peace" Mr.. Macdonald said. The
whole world looks to us as it never has
looked to an international conference
before.
The world looks on not only in need
but in impatience. My appeal to YOU
is TO Tear nothing but weakness. to
issue bold proposals which by their
very character will command the sup
port OF the whole world.
IN tnese times there is no Italy. no
germany, no America, no Britain apart
from the rest of the nations. There is
nothing smaller than a world, nothing
less than system which Is crumblinp
around our feet None of us can stay
out OF the miseries which are gather
ing about u.s."
AS the prime minister spoke the del
egateS listened closely On his right sat
Premier Herriot of France, who had
nominated Mr.. Macdonald for chair
man. On the left was Franz Won Papen.
tile new German chancellor. claspino
bis hands over the head of the cane
on which he always leans. Beside him
sat Sir Herbert Samuel, the British
home secretary.
Delegates From IA Nations.
Around the table were other dele.
gates OF the IA nations represented in
Guiding Great Britain, France. italy
Germany, Japan, Belgium, Jugoslayia
and Czechoslovakia, Rumania, Greece
Poland. Portugal, Bulgaria and Hun,
gary, with representatives also from
Canada. Australia, South Africa and
New Zealand.
Preparations. said Mr.. Macdonald
made substantial beginning, but
craftsmanship must go further than
that.
If 1t Is proved that we have been pur-
suing policies in violation of the sim
pie economic laws which govern the
prosperity of the state, wisdom and
common sense surely will compel us to
return to better ways without delay
and to pay the temporary price which
such a return will exact from us.
Il believe it can be done" He paused.
then repeated slowly, Il believe it can
be done, If we have the clear vision
and the steady nerve to do it."
Urges Quick Agreement.
Speed and action are the essentials
Of the task before this conference, he
said, adding that an agreement reached
quickly will yield a hundred times
greater benefits than one obtained
painfully and imperfectly at the last
moment Of exhaustion.
Mr.. Macdonald expressed himself
clearly in opposition to Reputation by
Germany Of the war reparations.
"One principle is very definitely be-
fore the conference" he said, engage
ments solemnly entered into cannot be
set aside by one party's reputation.
THAT principle is not challenged by
anybody here, but it carries with it
a corollary: If default is to be avoided
engagements which have been proved
incapable of fulfillment should be re-
vised by agreement. Both sides in all
agreements must always be ready to
face the facts"
Tomorrow there will be another meet
ing and Chancellor Won Papen prob
ably will have an opportunity to state
the German case.