The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-04-15
INDEMNITY FUND DISTRIBUTION.
Small Powers Which Suffered Much
Yet to Be Heard.

Paris. April 15.-The problem of
reparations settlements still has trou-
blous times before it in connection
with the question of the distribution
many. Smaller powers which suffered
under German invasion and deEasta-
ton are still to be heard relative to
their shares of the reparation fund,
particularly Belgium, the claims of
which are entitled to first considera-
ton under various pre-conference
pledges. The tentative scheme of dis
tribution which Great Britain and
France have advanced, apportions be-
tween 80 and 30 per cent, probably IS,
of the total sum realized to the three
big powers, leaving perhaps Is per
cent to satisfy the demands of Bel
GUM, Italy. Serbia, Rumania. Russia
and others. This is a smaller proper
ton than the secondary powers ex-
peeted and they are almost sure to be
dissatisfied with it. 1t has been sug-
gested among the experts on the rep
arations commission that Ruma MIA,
Serbia and other nations have received
reparations thru the acquisition of ter
ritory, but this reasoning will scarcely
appeal to Belgium. A share of the
reparations fund will. according to the
present understanding be assigned to
Russia for damage to invaded Rus
sian territories, but probably will be
turned over to Great Britain and
France to apply on advances made to
the old Russian government during
the war.
Attic the contributions payable by
Germany are characterized as repara-
lions, a very considerable part of the
first five billion dollars will not be
available fer reparation purposes.
since it has been assigned to the pay
ment of the expenses of the armies OF
occupation and food supplies as must
be furnished Germany. Since the &C.
cupation of the left bank of the Rhine
will continue during the entire two
years covered by this first payment
the expenses. particularly of the
French occupation army, will eat
deeply into the $4,000. 100000. Nc
announcement has as yet been made
regarding the precise definition of the
various "categories'' of Preparations
In other words. there is no definition
| of the classes of damages for which
Germany is required to pay. 1t car
be stated. however, that the five cate
for actual damage to life and prop
] erty, pensions for cripples and fam
lilies Of slain soldiers; compensation
for enforced labor exacted of inhabi-
tants of occupied. regions. including
work done by deported BeIgians: re.
Enumeration for Illegally exacted labor
by prisoners of war, and payments fol
| German acquisitions in occupied terri
tories 1t is understood that no offse
| has been allowed Germany for tbs
maintenance of prisoners of war il
Germany during the war, the asso.
| ciated governments holding that tht
prisoners were chiefly supported a.
| their own expense thru food parcels BY
which alone the prisoners were able
| to maintain existence during captivity
and that the surplus has been covered
| by work the prisoners performed fol
| Germany. Altho members of the com
mission regard the reparations ques
| ton as settled In the main. there are
various details to be worked out, in.
| Guiding q scheme for German contri
| buttons of labor, raw materials ant
manufactured articles for the restora
| ton of devastated districts.