Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1947-09-10
sound like very delicate propaganda

to him.
The British dilemma regarding
dollars for expenses in Germany
presents a separate problem that is
closely related to the general Euro
pean economic crisis.
What this government may be
able to do about relieving the British
dollar burden in Germany is as I'M
certain as is action in the larger
picture. Officials concerned will
sound out the Senate Appropriations
Committee at a meeting called by
Chairman Bridges for September 20.
Agreement last year for economic
unification of the American and
British occupation zones in Ger
many provided that the two govern
ments would split the costs $3.50.
Diplomatic officials indicate the
British now want to cut their share
down to about Is per cent.
Dollar Payment Demanded.
The British difficulty arises from
the fact that countries from which
they have to buy most of the food
and other imports for Germany de-
mand payment in dollars, rather
than in British currency.
Britain currently is spending
about $380,000,00O a year in Ger
many, $273, 900, 900 in dollars and the
remainder in pounds sterling. 1t is
the dollar share of the burden she
wants to shift to the United States.
All the money spent in Germany
by both governments is expected to
be repaid eventually out of in
creased German production. Efforts
to build up German industry to
self-sustaining basis account for
much of the current expenses.
Marshall Plan May Be Alternative.
One possible alternative to the
British request for permanent re-
vision of the $3.50 formula for shar-
ing German occupation costs is that
the Marshall plan includes provision
to advance the dollars required by
Britain in Germany.
This possibility was understood to
be under study at low working
level in the State Department, with
action on such lines considered
doubtful. It would require a tenn
porary advance to the British of
possibly SIS, 900 900 to 100000. 900.
Three members Of the Senate
Appropriations Committee - Sen
ators Ball, Republican, of Mime
sofa, Young, Republican, of North
Dakota and Thomas, Democrat, of
Oklahoma-were quoted by the As
ISOLATED Press today as believing
Congress is in no mood for special
session.
Senator Thomas said he doubted
that President Truman would call
one. Senator Young said he looks
for a call, but added: Even If the
leaders are for it, 1t will take months
to pass any aid bill"
Ball Opposes BLANK Check"
Senator Ball said he is willing to
consider loans and grants to help
Europeans help themselves, but
don't want any more blank checks.
He commended that the administra-
ton has not yet assembled enough
facts and figures to outline a specific
program.
In this connection Secretary of
Commerce Hartman arranged a
two-day meeting of his 19-man
committee of prominent citizens
studying the availability of Amer
lean resources for helping Europe.
The committee had been hoping
to complete its report by October /,
but now does not expect to do so
before October Is, it was learned.
While the prospects of q special
session hinge entirely on the Euro
pean crisis. some pressure is being
brought on Mr.. Truman to call
Congress back before January to
deal with prices and other domestic
problems.
O'Toole Urges Study by Truman.
Representative OToole, Demo-
crat, of New York wrote the Presi-
dent yesterday urging him to give
deep consideration toward the cali
ing of a special session to
enact legislation that would bring
some form of rent and cost of liv-
ing control"
The British confer
ence on German costs next month
arises from provision of the agree
ment merging their occupation
zones for an annual review if re-
quested by either country.