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Blum Reports U. S. Has Agreed to Provide Reconstruction Credit By Newbold Noyes, Jr. The United States has agreed to provide Prance with credit aid for her four-year reconstruction pro gram according to former French Premier Leon Blum. The Socialist party leader, in this country to negotiate a "financial arrangement." told an Overseas Writers’ luncheon at the Statler Hotel yesterday that Government experts here had approved France’s plan for reconstruction of her war tftrn economy and had agreed to provide financial aid for that pro gram. He said he did not know the exact amount of aid forthcoming, but that all except final details of the arrangement had been decided. Scrupulously, he avoided use of the word "loan." Acting Secretary of State Acheson told a press conference today, with reference to the Blum mission, that necessary technical and staff work had been completed and that “it is expected negotiations will be con cluded shortly." He added he be lieves the Government will fix a definite figure for the amount of credit to be granted. Speaking in French through an interpreter, Mr. Blum had high praise for what he termed America's “delicacy" in handling the negotia tions. At no point, he said, has the United States Government sought to make the granting of credit con tingent on any conditions, political or otherwise. Agreed Three Weeks Ago. He responded to previous specula tion. that Washington would w-ait for results of next month's French elections before making up its mind, with the statement that agreement in principle was reached three weeks ago. before results even of the recent constitutional referendum were known. His mission here was to present the French reconstruction plan to officials in -Washington and to let them decide whether they wailted to help, and in what amount. Mr. Blum said. He added that in sev eral instances during discussions the French had revised their estimates of financial requirements in the light of information supplied by American experts. For example, he said, the French had overestimated the cost of silk and cotton imports and of obtaining necessary shipping space. Mr. Blum said he was proud of the success of his mission and grateful for the understanding with which he had been received here. Before I left Paris the American Ambassador invited me to dinner at the Embassy with a group of Ameri can correspondents." he said. After dinner they were careful to warn me of the embarrassing question I would be asked here. They even presented me with an example, when Harold Callender of the New York Times impersonated President Tru man and asked me what about the nationalization of industry in France. As a result, 1 was well pre pared for that sort of question. But the question w'as not asked here." No Such Promise Required. Mr. Blum said at one point the State Department did seek assur ances that if and where national ization did take place. Americans with French investments would be indemnified for their interest. He said his government had instructed him to supply such assurances, but that at the next meeting a State Department official told his 'Mr. Blum’s) assistant not to pay any attention to the request for assur ances. “They told us." Mr. Blum said, "that if I cared to make such a statement that would be all right.] but that the United States did not; want to give the impression that; whatever help was forthcomingj would be contingent on conditions."! The figure of S4.000.000,000 pre viously had been mentioned as France's estimated international deficit under her reconstruction plan. There was no indication yes terday, however, that Mr. Blum had sought or received a promise of United States aid in that amount. Conference 'Continued From First Page.' boundary commission presented an Inconclusive report on their investi- ] gations. The unanimous report said French claims for slight frontier! rectifications were well based eth nically. as the regions were as much French ab Italian. The experts said, however, the main question was the hydroelectric power sites in the Tenda and Brenda regions. These supply power to cities along the i Italian Mediterranean coast. The ministers sent the report to their deputies to study the technical question involved. Byrnes Firm on Trieste. Secretary of State Byrnes was re ported to have used the most vig orous language he has employed to date at the conference in reiterating yesterday that the United States would not yield to Russian demands on Trieste. Authoritative informants said, however, that Mr. Byrnes had an nounced he was willing to accept the Italian-Yugoslavia border pre viously proposed by the French. This line, while considerably west of the border which the United States has advocated, still would allow Italy to retain Trieste and a portion of the Istrian Peninsula. These informants said Mr. Molotov probably would not agree to Mr. Byrnes' proposal to call a 21-nation peace conference, unless Russia got her way on Trieste. They added that this might mean the Big Four min isters would meet again, perhaps June 15. and that plans for the 21 nation conference would be held in abeyance. Byrnes Offers Compromise. Soviet sources predicted last night that the ministers would go home within a few days unless the western powers acceded to Russian demands on both Trieste a>nd North Africa. Shortly after this forecast Mr. Byrnes came up with a two-point compromise which dealt with Italian colonies and German disarmament, but did not mention Trieste. Under the compromise, the For eign Ministers Conference itself would take charge of Italian colonies for the next year, and them refer the question to the United Nations if the ministers still had no solution. The Allied Control Council in Ger many would be instructed to author ize a four-power commission to visit all four occupation zones of Ger many to ascertain the extent of German disarmament. United States informants said Mr. Byrnes told the other conferees that fee saw they jpuld not now agree on NEW YORK—DIES IN FALL —Dolores Chavez. 24-year-old night club photographer, identified by police as the wife of Eduardo Chavez, rhumba band leader, was killed here yesterday in a fall from her ninth-floor hotel room. She was from Bristol, Conn. —AP Wirephoto. the disposal of Italian colonies, and consequently had offered the com promise. He also told the Council he had instructed Gen. Clay. American civil affairs administrator in Germany, to propose to the Control Council that a four-power delegation visit all zones in the Reich. An American informant said Mr. Byrnes took the step in view of re ports that reconstituted German Army units and a section of the German general staff were being tolerated in the British zone. The British have denied these reports. Gen. Clay the informant added, presented Mr. Byrnes' proposal to the Control Council in Berlin either Sunday or yesterday. Veterans' Surplus Rights Reported 'Misused' By rbe Associated Press Misuse of veterans' priorities to buy surplus property has developed into "almost a scandal" in some areas, according to War Assets Ad ministration officials. Increasing evidence that veterans are being used as illegal “fronts" by which dealers obtain Government surpluses has prompted an acceler ated drive against the “racket." a WAA spokesman said last night. Such cases bulk large, he reported, on a list of 160 cases of suspected surplus frauds turned over to the Justice Department. Twenty-one persons now are awaiting trial on fraud, collusion and other charges, and hundreds have been investigated. Coal 'Continued From First Page.' such a fund. It is a condition prece dent to making any agreement." The operators withheld direct comment on the welfare proposal pending elaboration by Mr. Lewis of the wage increase he will ask, but a spokesman for the owners termed the size of the tax ' ridiculous." An other operator said. “We reject the whole damned principle." Some Government officials were inclined to feel that the Lew'is 7 per cent figure is not too far out of line. Operators estimated that it would raise $70,000,000 a year for the union, about $15,000,000 more than the 10 cents-per-ton royalty on coal pro posed by the miners last year and hinted at in this year's negotiations. Negotiations Resume. The officials pointed out that in the clothing business, a much less hazardous industry than mining, the AFL International Ladies' Garment Workers have a similar fund sup ported by a 3V? per cent payroll tax. Mr. Lewis, making the same point, says his fund would furnish ade quate medical and hospital care for the miners and supplement payments already made to the in jured. aged and diseased workers. Operators agreed to pay the miners $3,000,000 in back holiday; pay which Mr. Lewis claimed was due his men. That issue had stalled negotiations for several weeks. In doing so, the operators emphasized they w'ere not admitting the merit of the claim, but were making the concession so that new' contract is sues might be taken up. Operator estimates oi. the cost of the Lewis payroll demand ranged from 14 to 20 cents per ton of coal. Charles O'Neill, spokesman for the industry negotiators, supplied the higher figure. Safety Provisions Discussed. Following the outline of his wel fare demand. Mr. Lewis discussed mine safety, once more insisting that the operators agree to accept the recommendations of inspectors for the Federal Bureau of Mines. These findings now are purely ad visory. Only State mine regulations are enforced. The mine owners indicated they would not make a counter-proposal on the welfare issue today. They expressed hope that with the holi day pay issue out of the way Mr. Lewis will tell them specifically what he wants in the way of a w-age boost in the new contract. OPA. anticipating necessity of boosting coal prices as a result of the present negotiations, last night authorized adjustable pricing for all sales of soft coal except retail deliveries of five tons or less. This means that producers, distributors and dealers mav charge and col lect present ceiling prices on cur rent deliveries, subject to the con dition that the purchaser agrees to pay later the amount of any price .ncrease that may result from the wage talks. MEN'S PANTS Wash Slacks Rayon Slacks Wool Slacks wide selection Prices Reasonable FREDERICK'S Men’t Wear Storee CHARGE 701 H ST. N.E. accounts ] 435 H ST. N.W. N.E. Store Open Eeeninrt 'Til • All But 139,000 Back At Work in Nation's Soft Coal Mines By Associated Press All but an estimated 139.000 of the Nation's 400.000 bituminous coal miners went back to work today to increase the flow of coal des perately needed by fuel-starved in dustries. About three-fourths of Pennsyl vania's 100,000 diggers still faded to heed John L. Lewis' call for a 12-day truce in the 43-day-old work stoppage. Their fear of losing un employment compensation and a traditional "no-contract-no-work" stand kept them idle. Other States reported a strengthening back-to work movement. Get Jobless Benefits. Pennsylvania miners yesterday became eligible for unemployment compensation after a five-week pen alty period added to the regular one-week wait. The State held Lha* those who returned to work were not "compensable" but that those remaining idle would receive $20 weekly benefit up to a period of 20 weeks. Production in Pennsylvania yes terday was reported at “considerably less than 50 per cent” by the Solid Fuels Administration. About 19,000 of Kentucky's 55,000 coal miners worked yesterday, but the decision of the Harlan County Coal Operators' Association to pay retroactive benefits granted during the truce was expected to swell to day's back-to-work total. West Virginia's miners, who pace the Nation in producing coal also led the pace in going back to work. All but 5.000 of the State’s 104,000 coal diggers reported for duty yes terday. Alabamans Back at Work. The picture in other States: Alabama—16,000 of Alabama's 23.000 miners were on the job, with most mines working. Some pits operated on short crews tempo rarily. Ohio—UMW reported 90 per cent of district 6's 20.000 miners were back at work or preparing to return; 2.500 miners in Eastern Ohio stuck to “no contract, no work.” Indiana—About half of the 8.000 miners began digging coal yester day and the rest are expected to re turn today. Utah—5.000 miners back to work. Iowa—Virtually all of 1.500 UMW members still idle pending meetings today. Colorado—5 000 miners working. Wyoming—4.500 UMW members returned. 1,500 Digging Coal. Missouri an# Kansas—Approxi mately 1,500 miners digging coal. Illinois—Hugh White Illinois UMW president, says survey shows practically all" 23.000 miners went back. Washington—300 miners in four UMW locals voted to reject truce proposal after adopting resolution saying return to work violates UMW policy. Other 2.700 miners returned. Oklahoma and Arkansas—Dave Fowler, district UMW president, re ported "very few" of the 4.000 miners would w'ork during the truce. New Mexico—900 of 1,300 miners back to work. Two small mines at Gallup unable to resume production because of insufficient manpower. Virginia—12,000 out of 16.000 miners working. Only one local voted not to return Lichfield 'Continued From First Page.' rect a complete investigation and take prompt corrective and punitive action as required,” Gen. McNarney said in a typed statement distributed at his news conference. "After citing his conclusions. Gen. Lewis recommended specific disci plinary action, principally in the form of administrative reprimands, against certain officers involved in the delays that had occurred " Additional Officeis Accused. Gen. McNarney continued that Gen Eisenhower, Army Chief of Staff, "decided to withhold action on Gen. Lewis' recommendations of spe cific punishment for the officers in volved in the belief that the conduct of the trials themselves would elicit further facts and evidence which might indicate more drastic action should be taken against certain officers. "This expectation has already been justified; as charges have been pre ferred against several additional officers as a result of facts revealed by the trials of the enlisted men." After two enlisted men were con victed in London of mistreating prisoners at Lichfield, trials of six officers and eight enlisted men charged with similar offenses were transferred to Bad Nauheim. Ger many. Gen. McNarney announced his intention of expediting the con clusion of the case, which one Army officer testified was "receiving bad publicity.” Kilian Goes to Trial Thursday. Col. James A. Kilian of High land Park, 111., commander of the 10th Reinforcement Depot at Lich field. where the guardhouse was located, is to go on trial Thurs day. The other cases are to fol low in rapid order. Answering what hp called errone ous reports that the Army was "making goats out of the /enlisted men to relieve possibly guilty offi cers," Gen. McNarney said. “This, of course, is not true.” He said the enlisted men were tried first to obtain the testimony which would point to the officers who should be tried. Animal Welfare Meeting The annual meeting of the Animal Welfare League of Arling ton, Inc., will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Lyon Park Com munity House, North Fillmore street and Pershing drive, Arlington. Mrs. | Randolph Maynard, secretary of the (Richmond branch, will be guest j speaker. DLL GROPE ...and R Spread Ulide! Go-getter energy plus ttt-iarthtr quality in this richer. crystal pure jelly by the makeri of match len Welch! Grape Juice! Welch’s r GROPE JEUV* Byrd Presses Plan to Outlaw Company Payments to Union •y the Associated Press Senator Byrd, Democrat, of Virginia said today John L. Lewis’ switch from a tonnage royalty to payroll levy demand to finance a miners’ welfare fund |“is the same thing only bigger.” Consequently, the Virginia Senator told a reporter, he will press with renewed vigor for his proposal to outlaw any company payments to a union representative. Offered as an amendment to the Senate’s softer version of the House approved Case bill, the Byrd meas ure is slated for the first of a series of Senate votes aimed at broadening and restoring teeth to strike control legislation. Labor supporters in the chamber, meanwhile, rallied their seemingly thin lines in a fight to stave off action. As Republicans scheduled an afternoon conference to decide their attitude on the half-dozen pending proposals. Chairman Murray called on defenders of his Labor Commit tee's "mild” bill to meet at the same time to plan their strategy. I his appeared to be aimed at de laying any test vote until tempers heated by the coal strike get a chance to £bol off. An administration lieutenant who refused to be quoted by name ex pressed confidence that major issues between the operators and the United Mine Workers will be re solved within the Wednesday dead line set by President Truman. Sen ator Murray told a reporter he be lieves "several days" of debate will be required before a vote can be reached on the Byrd issue. The Virginian put forth his 1 amendment while the operators were contending that Mr. Lewis had renewed his demand for a 10-cent-a ton production royalty, which would : net the union something over $50,000,000 a year. Prison Penalty Removed. Late yesterday, however. Mr. Lewis made public his specific welfare fund proposal for the first time. saying It should be financed by a 7 per cent payroll levy. This would yield $70,000,000 a year. •'It's the same thing only bigger," Senator Byrd asserted, adding that he was confident the Senate would go along with his Idea to prohibit any such payments. Earlier In the day, Senator Byrd revised his amendment to offset criticism from Senator Pepper, Democrat, of Florida, and others. When Senator Pepper contended repeatedly that Senator Byrd wanted to "put John L. Lewis in the penitentiary,” the Virginian agreed to strike out a section provid ing prison penalties for union offi cials who demanded royalties or other payments. Senator Byrd said he also would change the wording in such a way that an employer could make dona tions toward a union picnic or main taining a basebali team. This was a point that had been raised by Senator Wheeler, Democrat, of Montana. Pepper Pleads for Consideration. Senator Ball, Republican, of Min nesota, a leader in the drive to make substantial changes in labor sta tutes, said Republicans hoped to agree at this afternoon's meeting on which of several amendments they are willing to support. A bipartisan group of seven yes terday backed the Byrd proposal, but put off any decision on such issues as making unions subject to damage suit for violation of con tracts and prohibiting secondary boycotts Senator Pepper pleaded with the Senate yesterday not to enact legis lation in haste. He contended that the mine workers have not been on stike, since they have had no con tract in effect since April 1. But Senator Lucas, Democrat, of Illinois said he isn't going to admit that the Government is "helpless” in such a situation. He advocated pas sage of an amendment to permit the President to seize struck prop erties when the national walfare is involved. Reconsideration Is Asked On Doctor Office Curb The Kalorama Citizens' Associa tion last night asked the District; Commissioners to reconsider the refusal to permit doctors to open offices in residential areas in homes' in which they do not actually live. The Zoning Commission had previ ously turned down such a petition ; requested by the District Medical Society on behalf of veteran doctors land dentists who are unable to find ! office space. E. M. Dulin. assistant director of the District Health Department's Bureau of Sanitation, spoke on rat i control measures which can be taken by individual householders. 'On motion of Miss Etta L. Taggart i the association voted to co-operate i fully in the program George W. Hodgkins, president, ;conducted the meeting in the John Quincy Adams School, Nineteenth ; and California streets N.W. The I next. meeting is scheduled for Oc 1 tober. D. C. Institutions to Train Psychiatrists tor VA To meet a shortage of trained psychiatrists In Veterans Admin istration hospitals. Washington psy chiatric facilities will co-operate in an extensive program to train resi dent physicians in the field. Dr. Paul R. Hawley, chief medical di rector of the agency, announced today. Medical schools of Georgetown and George Washington Universi ties. the Washington School of Psychiatry and possibly St. Eliza beth's Hospital are Washington in stitutions to participate in the train ing plan, along with 30 other class "A" medical schools all over the country. Resident physicians locally will train at the mental hygiene clinic,• 300 Indiana avenue N.W.. and the veterans' hospital at Perry Point,' Md The Deans’ Committee here is composed of medical school repre sentatives of George Washington. Georgetown and Howard Universi ties. headed by Dr. Walter A. Bloe dorn. dean of George Washington School. Rail • Continued From First Page.' •granted under mediation proceed ings. They had asked $2.50 a day in creases and 45 changes in rules. An emergency board offered $1.28 a day increase and approved a few changes. The President Indicated at his last news conference he might, order seizure of the railroads to prevent a tie-up. Presidential intervention, ranroao I men said, is the only way of stop ping the walkout, "We have exhausted all our efforts in a statutory way,” Martin Miller, legislative representative of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, said. "Government seizure of the rail roads won’t stop us. The only thing left that might prevent it is an order from President Truman tell ing the railroads and the brother hoods to get together and settle their wage troubles and the dispute over rules. That might bring re sults.’’ TAXICABS FOR SALE 1942-J94I Models—Priced for Imme diate Sale—Below OPA Celling. A. C. SERVICE CO. .'Ird and M Sts N.E. V-4SY 'MVtO fr> SPKNUlf f'. Here's ene gum that brightens yevr smile. tveryne is the delicieus chewing dentifrice with thtt phis in- rj gradient — tasteless eel* ^ cium pereside, re freshes the sparkle ef x year teeth end smite. 4 Ur • | S Car Skids, Hits Tree; Four Persons Injured Four colored persons were injured, one seriously, when an automobile skidded, crashed against a tree and overturned last night on Sheriff road N.E. near Fiftieth street. Lloyd W. Smith, 21, of the 1100 block Nineteenth street S.E. was admitted to Casualty Hospital with a fractured skull and is in serious condition today. Also in Casualty and reported in undetermined con dition. pending X-rays for possible skull fractures, are William Moore. 19. 2000 block M street N.W.: Morris Warren. 2200 block Georgia avenue N.W.. and Wilbur Littlepage, 24, of the 1200 block Twenty-fifth street N.W.. said by police to have driven the car The automobile, traveling toward the eenter of tow-n, apparently was on the wrong side of the street, police said. The scene of the acci dent is close to the District line. George Bell. 43. colored. 1300 block Gallaudet street N.E., suffered a possible fractured spine and head cuts last night when the car he was driving collided with a streetcar at Florida avenue and O street N.E His condition is good at Casualty Hospital today. Lloyd V. Hall, 22 of 3312 Brothers place S.E.. operated the streetcar, police said. Allen T. Rogers. 34,* colored. 2000 block E street N.E.. was exoiftrated at a coroner's inquest yesterday in the traffic death of Gloria Ann Childs. 3, colored. 700 block Twen tieth street N.E. She was struck in the 1900 block Gales street N.E. last Saturday by an automobile operated bv Rogers. The*jury said the death was accidental. Residents of Gibraltar will soon pay Income taxes for the first time. Washington's Largest Pontiac Dealer Offers excellent opportunities for 2 Body ond Metol Men 2 Experienced Mechanics Front End Man to Operate Bear Front End Machine Finest working conditions in a clean, bright, modem shop. Highest salaries, vacation with pay, insurance, hospitalization and other advantages. Apply to Mr. Poatt Service Dept. Arcade Pontiac Co. 1437 Irving St. N.W. AD. 8500 I««»...»» ntwntmj We Are Courteous to Personal Loan Applicants At all Hamilton banks it'* a rule to be friendly to personal loan seekers. We'll make it easy for you to apply, and If you qualify, easy for you to obtain what you need. In fact. If it’s less than $50t, your signature — plus your good reputa tion—is all the security we ordinarily ask. HAMILTON National BANK Main Office: 14th St. at G N.W. Loans Made at Our 7 Branches MEMBER FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION Auto Dealers Predict Paralysis of Industry Within Few Weeks ly th« A.»ociofed Pres» DETROIT, May 14.—'The Nation's automobile Industry, according to the National Automobile Dealers' Association, "cannot avoid almost complete paralysis within the next few weeks" despite the truce In the coal strike. The association, in a report to Its members, says that coal mined dur ing the truce period “will go to the essential utility and health services,” contributing nothing to the indus try’s effort to maintain car pro duction. Appraising Impending shutdowns, curtailment of steel production, parts shortages and other Impediments to continued car output, the dealers’ association asserts that 1946 new car production will be far below original estimates. (The trade publication Auto motive News said in Its current issue that total production from V-E day through May 10 this year amounted to 705.143 cars and trucks. In normal times that would be the output of about six weeks of steady assem bly line operation * The Automobile Dealers’ Associa r in i STOCK " NOW . . . Beautiful Decorator-Preferred Colon i Guaranteed by A Lgood A HOUSEKEEPING^^ _i tion, commenting on productiort prospects says: "It seems * * • that the OPA new car production estimates for 1946, which they stated would approxi mate 5,000,000 cars, will take an awful bump. The most optimistic estimates of the trade bring produc ,tion down to a maximum of 2,000. 000 cars.” The shutdowns in prospect for the automobile assembly plants, the ! association report adds, "could last anywhere from 30 to 90 days." St. Paul's Appeals for Aid LONDON, May 14 (Ft.—'The dean and chapter of St. Paul's Cathedral made an empire-wide appeal today for 100,000 pounds ($400,000) for repairs and improvements to the famous structure, which was hit three times by small German aeriai bombs during the war. GICHNER "DON'T BRUSH A DANDRUFF LADEN SCALP" For the good of your hoir . . . don't brush or "dig" with your nails your scalp if it's laden with dandruff. Not only will it tend to irritate your scalp more, but too, it may help spread the condition over a wider area. A thorough washing with o good shampoo is always a safe means of removing dandruff scales. When this fails to give relief . . . See ME. No charge for examination or advice. Phone F. D. Johnson. Phono YV 6081 F. D. JOHNSON Hair and Scalp Specialist 1050-53 Shoreham Bldg., 15th ond H Sts. N.W. HOI RS—9 A M.-7 P M, SAT. TILL 3 P.M. lHaspelj > mm tMMUiu | .> ( TH€ OINUINC fABBlC ] < HASMitAHMtl MwotUAMl > Two-to-One Favorites in Men's Summer Suits Famous Haspel Seersuckers and Cords Stay happy in Has pels all Summer long. Their air-conditioned weave let* breezes in while it lets body heat nut. A quirk dunking in suds make them fresh as new again. They won't fade, shrink, or disrolor, and that is a double guarantee by Haspel and Lewis & Thos. Saltz. Haspel eraftsman have handled these warm weather fabrics so long they know exactly how to tailor in a handsome and lastinf fit. Remember, too, these jackets and •lacks mix well with other clothing for added economy. SI 7.50 Has per s Famous Celanese Summer Suits. $25 Haspel Seersucker Slacks $5.50 Lewis & Th°s. Saltz 1409 G STREET ■XKtnmn mt X i»rn»MHTii!«iTii latium