The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-06-17


rendering the pact more certain of full
fillment
Admit Foe to league.
Gernany's counter demand for i'm
mediate and equal admission to the
league of nations was met by an agree
ment to include her in that organiza-
ton at IAN early date" dependent
upon her fulfillment of treaty condi-
tons.
The German appeal for larger
army was compromised thru permits
sion to increase her fighting force
from 100000 to 100000 during the
period of transition"
A request for a German commission
to cooperate with the allied repara-
tions commission was granted. De-
mand for immediate fixation of a, def
mite sum for reparation. the total not
to exceed $25, 900. 600, 900. was denied.
The allies. however. agreed to permit
the Germans to propose a financial
settlement within four months after
the treaty is signed.
VIII Try Ex-Kaiser.
Germany's opposition to trial of the
former kaiser by a foreign tribunal is
met by a statement that the powers
cannot trust the trial of those respon-
sible to those who have been their ac-
completes"
The reply further declared that
the trial of the eX-kaiser is justified
only in form and not in substance, as
he had been arraigned as \ matter of
high international policy for a SUI
premes offense against International
morality, the sanctity of treaties, and
the essential rules of justice. Judicial
forms and procedure and a regularly
constituted tribunal have been set up
both to insure the accused full rights
to defense and to give the Judgment
the most solemn judicial character"
Charge Blame to Foe.
Taking up the subject of penalties,
the reply enters into a discussion of
the immediate cause of the war and
says the conflict was brought about
thru the decision, deliberately taken
of the statement of Berlin, Vienna and
Budapest"
1t is pointed out that even the Ger
man memorandum admits that Ger
many authorized Austria Hungary to
settle the Serbian question on her own
Initiative and, moreover, supported
Austria's rejection of Serbia's extra
ordinary concessions"
1t is declared that Germany steadily
rejected every proposal for a confer
ence and did not urge moderation till
ished.
German attempts to throw the
blame on Russia because of her
mobilization of her army, it is pointed
out. is vitiated by the fact that this
suit of Austria's action.
Was Prcmetlltated Action.
But the outbreak of the war" the
reply says, was no sudden decision
taken in difficult crisis. 1t was the
logical outcome of a policy domina-
ton, aggression and war followed by
Germany for decades. Hypnotized by
Bismarek's spirit of blood and iron,
Germany set about sowing suspicion
and discord among the nations, con-
spring with elements of unrest in ev-
cry land, steadily increasing arma-
ments and mobilizing the universities,
press, pulpit and government authority
to indoctrinate the gospel of hatred
and force. The essential truth of these
charges is admitted by the Germans
themselves thru their revolution.
THE war was a crime deliberately
plotted against the life and liberties
of the people of Europe. 1t brought
death and mutilation to millions
Starvation. Unemployment and disease
stalked across the continent from
end to end. The punishment of those
responsible for bringing on these ca
lamities is essential on the score of
justice and as a deterrent for others
who may be tempted to follow their
example"
Must Try Criminals.
The reply asserts the powers cannot
''entrust the trial of those responsible
" lllOSC MhO nave DCGA accom-
plices."
The tribunals established for the
trial of those under charges will rep
resent the deliberate Judgment of the
greater part Of the civilized world. and
there can be no question of admitting
the right of jurisdiction of represen-
tatives of countries which took no part
in the war. The allies. it is declare
will stand by the verdict. of history for
the fmpartiality and justice with
which the accused will be tried. The
accused will be insured full rights of
defense and the judgment of the tri-
bunal will have the most solemn judi
cial character. The allied and asso-
ciated powers are prepared to submit
final list of those who must be
handed over to justice within one
month OF the signing of the treaty
The allied and associated powers
refuse to enter into a discussion with
the principles underlying the repara-
tons clauses but certain observations
are made, especially as the German
proposals are said to present a view so
distorted and inexact as to raise a
| doubt if the clauses were calmly and
| carefully examined"
Need Time to Work 1t Out
The problem of reparations is of
such extra ordinary magnitude and
complexity that 1t can be solved only
by q continuing body limited in per-
sonnet and invested with broad pow
ers. The reparation commission, the
reply declares, is instructed to exer-
else its powers so as to insure in the
interest of all as early and complete
a discharge by Germany of her re-
| parations obligations as is consistent
with the true maintenance of the
social, economic and financial struc-
| ture of Germany.
1t is pointed out that the commits
| sion is not an engine of "oppres-
sion nor device for interfering with
Germany's sovereignty. Its business
Is to fix what is to be paid. satisfy