The evening world., 1919-06-17
WHICH STARTED WAR, MUST SUFFER FORHER CRIMES

early and complete q discharge By
Germany Of her reparations obliEa-
tions as is consistent with the true
maintenance Of the social. economic
and financial structure in Germany.
NOT AN ENGINE OF OPPRESSION
GUT OF JUSTICE.
IL is pointed out that the commits
Aion Is not an "engine Of oppression" !"
nor a device for interfering with
Germany's sovereignty. It's business
is to fiK what Is to be paid, satisfy
itself that Germany can pay and re-
port in case Germany docs not pay.
The Commission cannot prescribe or
enforce taxes or dictate the character
Of the German budget but may eI-
anime the latter TO sec II any modifi-
cation is desirable, probably In Ger
many's interests and % Be assured
that German taxation ~ a. least %
heavy az the heaviest AIllSd taxation.
II is pointed out that not only are
the conditions not compatible with
the creation by Germany OF n com
mission TO represent her in dealing
with the Reparation Commission and
for such cooperation as may be
necessary. bot II is greatly to be de-
sired that she will take exactly that
step.
The Powers are willing that
within four months Of the sigma.
turO Of the treaty Germany may
submit any proposals. she may
choose 10 make. In particular.
she may offer a lump sum for all
or part Of her liability, undertake
TO reconstruct all or part Of
damaged district. offer labor.
technical service or material for
reeonstruetion, or, In short, sua-
aest any feasible plan 20 sim.
plify the assessment Of damage,
eliminate any question from the
scope Of the inquiry. promote the
performances Of the work or &C.
eslorats the definition Of the ulti-
mate amount 10 be paid.
Germany must, however. negotiate
direct with the Powers concerned be-
fore making the proposals, submit
them in unamblguous form and ac-
cept the reparation clauses as matters
beyond dispute. No arguments or ap-
peals directed to any alteration will
be entertained.
Within two months thereafter the
Allied and Associated Powers will
answer such proposals. and agree To
consider seriously and fairly any sug-
gestion made. 1t is said the problem
Is largely one OF statistics, Of which
the Powers have received but one
side. Germany Is invited to produce
evidence which will accelerate final
decision.
GERMANY MAKES NO DEFINITE
OFFER OF REPARATIoN.
The reply says that the Germans
made no definite offer as 20 repara-
tons. but gave only vague express
sions OF willingness to do something. e"
The sum OF 100000. 900. 900 marks,
which was mentioned in the enemy
counter-proposals, Is said 10 give
the impression OF an extensive offer,
but upon examination II proves not
to be. Interest was not to be paid
and until 1928 there would be no
substantial payment. after which
there could be a series OF underlined
installments running over nearly half
century.
Declaring that the resumption OF
German Industry Is OF interest to the
Allies, as well as TO Germany, the re-
ply declares that commercial facili-
ties will not be withheld from Ger
many, but they will afford TO Ger
many facilities for food supplies, raw
materials and overseas transport,
under conditions which cannot be
laid down In acvancS
meanwhile, the treaty must be
signed" the reply declares. "Tho
burdens Of Germany undoubtedly
are heavy, but they are imposed
| under conditions Of Justice by
peoples whose social we'll being
| and economic prosperity have
been aravsly impaired by wrongs