The President's News Conference

GERMAN REPARATIONS AGREEMENT

THE PRESIDENT. I have a question as to whether the administration would submit the Young reparations agreement to Congress or not, or whether we become a signatory to it. Our Government is not a party to that agreement, and therefore, would not be a signatory to it. There is no occasion to submit the agreement to Congress. The only point for congressional action is an authority to the administration to reduce Germany's treaty obligations in respect to the comparatively minor items of Army occupation costs and mixed claims.

PROHIBITION ENFORCEMENT INCIDENTS AT THE CANADIAN BORDER

I have some questions as to the incidents on the border. I deeply deplore the killing of any person. The Treasury Department is making an effort to prevent the misuse of arms. Any case of misuse will be [p.190] determined by the orderly proceedings of the Department and the courts. I hope that the communities along the border will do their best to help the Treasury and the systematic war that is being carried on by international criminals against the laws of the United States. It is these activities that are at the root of all of our difficulties.

Q. Mr. President, is that for formal quotation ?

THE PRESIDENT. Yes--both of them.

RAILROAD CONSOLIDATION PLAN

I have another question as to whether or not I am advised of any intention of the Interstate Commerce Commission to publish an official railroad consolidation plan in the near future. I have no such advice. The Interstate Commerce Commission, as you know, is an independent agency, and does not consult the President.

INTEROCEANIC CANAL BOARD

We have a little statement here as to the creation of the Interoceanic Canal Board to aid the Secretary of War and the Chief of Engineers in the surveys authorized for the Nicaragua Canal. It will go into details. It gives you the appointments that were put out.