The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-07-10
LIGHT THROWN
ON PROBLEMS.
Interpretation of Economic
Clauses in German
Treaty.
OUTSTANDING FEATURES
American Experts Refused to
Make U. 8. Party to Di-
vision of Indemnities.


has been brought back to the Unite,
States by President Woodrow Wilson
to submit to the senate for it's ap
proval, there has been wide diver
gence of opinion regarding the inter,
probation of many of the clauses. Tn,
International News Service has Sc.
cured a comprehensive explanation
of these clauses from the American
experts which 1t will present in two
articles.)
(By John Edwin Nevin, I. N. 8. STAFF
Correspondent
Washington, July 10.-(Copyright
1919. by /. N. S.)-Seven subjects are
dealt with in the economic clauses
of the treaty with Germany. They
include every problem that has
grown out of the war. Outstanding
however, is the fact that the Ameri-
can economic experts refused to make
the United States party to an arbi-
trary division of indemnities or OF
seized property. Instead the United
States is the only nation subscribing
to the treaty which reserved to its
law making body-c ngre s--the
right to dispose of all property ac-
American Lusitania claims and the
claims growing from the sinking of
American merchantmen, as we'll as
marine raids off the Atlantic coast
by German submarines, can be ad-
justed by congress itself.
Seven Subjects.
The seven subjects dealt with in
the economic sections of the treaty
are as follows:
First. Commercial relations be-
tween the allied and associated
powers on the one hand and Germany
on the other, including matters re-
lating to nationality. expectation and
importation and property rights of
nations of the allied and associated
governments in Germany.
Second. Treaty relations with
Germany; how they are to be re-
sumed, etc.
Third. The adjustment of debts
among nationals of the allied and as
ISOLATED powers on the one hand and
German nationals on the other.
Fourth. The disposition of private
property which has been sequestered
in the allied and associated countries
and in Germany.
Fifth. The legal effect and the ad-
1ustment of contracts concluded prior
to the war between nationals of the
allied and associated powers on the
one hand and German nationals on
the other
Sixth. A mixed arbitratal tribunal
to pass upon claims against Ger
many for property injured or seized
n Germany and to function in con-
1ection with adjustments of debts.
seventh - Rights in relation to in
iustrlal property and artistic and
property in the allied and associated
Countries and in Germany.
Economic Problems.
The economic provisions so far as
hey refer to commercial relations
provide through stipulations favored
lation treatment by Germany to the
.ll1ed and associated countries in
matters relating to expectation and
customs, duties, restric-
ions on exports and imports. Free
ntry for limited period are ac-
orded to goods originating in Alsace-
4orraine, in German territory ceded
o Poland and in Luxembourg. -'av-
red nation treatment is accorded
shing vessels of the allied and asso-
lated powers in German territorial
Taters. Germany must suppress false |
and wrappings and protect |
llied and associated trade against |
nfair competition. In addition allied |
nd associated subjects carrying on |
Professions or business in Germany |
re given favored nation treatment, |
iven access to the German courts |
nd the allied and associated coun- |
les are safeguarded in the right to |
End consular officers to Germany.
ational treatment Is also secured for
essels of the allied and associated |
overs by Germany. All of these
relations provisions take
lie place of the abrogated commercial |
nd naturalization treaties and are |
eclared to be in harmony with the
resent policy and practice o. the
nited States.
Abrogates War Treaties.
The treaty section abrogates all
ar treaties forced by Germany, in
uding those with Russia ant Ruma-
ia as well as all understanding with
lie entral powers. The United
tates, under these provisions, is re-
ored to it's prewar status in its
elation with Germany. while it gets
d of a number of ancient treaties
included with various German states
hich were embarrassing in their ap-
ication prior to the United States
otually ptering the war.
The debt section creates system
clearing houses for the settlement
debts and other obligations due
ON nations of the allied and asso-
ated governments to German ma
onals and vice versa. The United
tates probably will not enter this
heme, the American delegation COM
cling the insertion of a clause which
,empts governments from it's opera
ons unless within six months they
We notice of a desire to participa-
on.
Property Rights.
The section dealing with property
ghts and interests is of peculiar in
rest to the United States. 1t was
is section that created the
dest difference of opinion between
e economic experts of the various
lied nations. All were unanimous
endeavoring to have all sequestered
operty pooled. The United States
legates protested and carried their
jections through many weary
lexis or negotiations. FINALLY they
rried their point and instead of an
tribunal disposing of
operty taken over by the United
ates, the congress. as the lawmak-
: body, itself will decide what is to
done with the German property
d moneys held in the United
ates.
Claims can be compiled and the
hit is left with congress to deter
ne whether German property held
the United States shall be applied
the settlement of these claims.
is obligated to restore the
1perty of nationals OF the allied
i associated powers, to pay over
, proceeds of property that has
IN sold, and to make compensation
damages committed to seques-
ed property. The allied and asso-
ted governments reserve the right
retr'N ard to liquidatn the property |