New-York tribune., 1919-05-29
Zoe Wcgnfs Pay for
DroE, ig1 Birth Rate
Argues filled Blockade
" ea{,cncH " Wons0nho0d
by Cutting OF Food

VERSAILLES, May 28.-Tne German
peace delegation here, it was lea ned
to-day, Will present q counter claim Of
1850 900 marks ($3,2l2 500 000l
for damage from the Allied blockade.
as an Offset to the reparaton { 9maHds
of the Allied powers.
The counter claim is based largely on
the alleged effects OF the blockade upon
the life and health of the civilian
population. 1t is argued that, roundly,
a lnl'lion births were prevented as g
direct result of the food blockade upon
the vitality OF the women. The same
cause, it is contcnded, increased the
deaths approximately 100000. The lack
OF milk for young children, the absence
Of rubber and cotton for hospital use
and the interruption Of supplies OF
ouinine, camphor and other medica-
ments were further factors in the
losses, according to the German argu-
ment.
Should the Germans open this field
Of inquiry the Allies are prepared to
reply effectively by reference to the far
greater decrease of births and increase
Of deaths in France, Belgium, Poland,
Rumania and Serbia as a direct result
OF the German war measures.
The Allies possess the German Off
cial figures showing that the milk pro-
duction in Germany during the war
was never below as per cent Of the
normal production, which should be
sufficient to have maintained the chill
dren had they received it,
The failure of German cities to re-
ceive more than 10 or Is per ccnt of
the normal milk supplies was through
no fault of the blockade it is pointed
out, but was due to the German sys-
tenn Of distribution. The lacl, of rub
ber and cotton for hospitals likewise
represented the active choice Of the
German authorities, who devoted to
military and other pdrposes Imports
Of rubber ard cotton considerably III
excess Of the hospital requirements.
The same argumenation Will be ap-
piled to the scarcity Of synthetic drugs,
due to the conversion Of German chem
lcal plants to war purposes.
The first group Of attaches Of the
German delegation to return to Ger
many left Noisy lie Roi at $3.50 o'clock
this afternoon. Herr Kuno and Herr
Arnhold, financial delegates, were with
the party, which numbered twenty
two.
PARIS, May % (By The Associated
Press).-lt was reported here to-day
that Count Won Brockdorff- Rantzau.
head of the German peace delegation,
would leave for Spa immediately after
the presentation of the German coun-
ter proposals, WI ich were expected to
be handed in some time during the
day. The secretariat of the peace con-
ference, however, had no confirmation
of any such intention on the part of
the German plenipotentiary.
1t is understood that the Germans in
their counter proposals will demand
that the Allies evacuate territory oc
cupied in Germany within four months
of the signature Of the treaty They
Will consent to a reduction Of their
army, providing the Entente countries
reduce their armies proportionately,
and will demand mandate for the
administration of their former col
onies.
Count Won Brockdorfr- Rantzau has
sent another note to NJ. Clemenceau.
which, it is understood, has no con-
nection with the counter proposals to
be delivered tomorrow.