New-York tribune., 1919-05-26
the most humane intentions Of those in
nower. always remains odious

the most humane intentions Of those in
power, always remains odious.
"The German delegation is prepared
Immediately to enter into discussions
with the Allied and associated govern
ments on the question how the de-
fciency in the output of coal in the
provinces formerly occupied by Ger
many may be compensated, as has been
promised by Germany, till the devas-
tated mines are repaired. In this re-
spect they propose that in lieu Of the
primitive and disproportionat form of
restitution through surrendering the
Saar coal basin and transferring its
coal mines to France a more equitable
arrangement be sought.
Seek to Fix Business Basis
"The deficiency in coal existing in
Northern France and Belgium should
not alone be compensated with Saar
coal, but with Ruhr coal. Apart from
the fact that it would be inexpedient
on grounds Of transport policy to de-
vote only Saar coal-which up to now
had totally different natural market
to this purpose Of compensation, 1t
appears essential also to resort to the
Ruhr territory, as the departments
which have suffered damages depend
for their coal supply just as much on
the product Of the Ruhr territory as of
the Saar territory.
"The German delegation is convinced
that it would not be difficult to arrive
at an arrangement in this question of
supplying coal which would satisfy all
legitimate claims Of France. To this
end it only would be necessary that
the experts of both parties enter into
direct relation with each other and dis
cuss the terms of delivery on a bust
ness footing.
GAS to Belgium, Germany is prepared
to make full reparation for the dam
ages suffered by her. Therefore, she
sees no reason why she is to be forced
to cede Prussian Moresnet and the dis
tricts of Eupen and of Malmedy.
Justice of Plebiscite Opposed
"It is impossible to prove that these
districts are inhabited by an undoubt-
edly non-German population. The
plebiscite through which it Is intended
to give the inha bitants q seeming right
of taking part in the determination of
their future destiny would find no base
in the principles of peace agreed upon
between the belligerents. According
to the draft Of the treaty Of peace, how
ever, such plebiscite is not even to be
decisive; instead, body in which Ger
many is in no way represented Is called
upon to determine the future of the
territory as it may think fit, even
though the population have expressed
their desire to remain part of Germany
"This provision is in itself inequit-
able and at variance with the principle
that no national tendencies should be
satisfied, if by such satisfaction new
elements of discord and connection arc
created US.
'The German delegates reserve for
themselves liberty Of returning to the
provisions Of the treaty draft concern
ing territorial changes in the East Of
Germany in a special note.
| Accept, sir, the assurance of my
high esteem.
BROCKDORFF RANTZAU."
Seek to Save Saar Basin
The German note on the Saar Basin
follows:
German Peace Delegation, Versailles,
May 16, 1919.
"Sir: In my note Of the 18th in
slant on the territorial provisions of
the peace draft relating to the west
Of Germany, pointed out in the name
of the German delegation that the
guarantees which are required, espe-
clally for the reparation of the dam
| ages caused to the coal mines of North
ern France, could best be given by
economical agreements that should be
discussed viva voce by the experts Of
both parties. 1t does not appear to the
German peace delegation to be ad-
visable that such agreements should
be delayed to the extent provided for
by Paragraph 38 of the annex to Arti-
cles 40 to 80 of the conditions of peace;