Omaha daily bee., 1919-06-16

argued, to which, Germany agrees.
But the proposed treaty is merely A
celebration of the last triumph OF
imperialist and capitalist tenden-
cics. The delegates appeal to the
innate right of men and nations.
The proposed treaty is character
lied as Incompatible with respect
for this innate right. In the resolve,
however, to fulfill her obligations
Gc' many makes certain countr.-
proposals.
Want Equality In Trade.
Calling attention to the fact that
Germany already has submitted her
own proposals for a league of ma
tons, the German delegates agree TO
negotiate on the basis of the allied
proposals if Germany is admitted on
equal terms as soon as peace has
been signed. This is on condition
that clauses are inserted guarantee
ing complete equality in trade condi-
tons, freedom from external inter
ference and the prevention of eco
nomic warfare and exclusion by boy
colt.
Germany agrees to the basic idea
regarding army, navy and air regr-
lations, and especially the abolition
of compulsory military service, if
this is the beginning of general
reduction of armaments and aban-
Comment of compulsory military
service A period of transition must
be allowed during which Germany
may retain such forces as are re-
CURED to preserve internal order be-
fore reducing her army to the 100,-
600 limit. On condition that Ger
many joins the league at once, she
agrees to dismantle the fortresses
in the west and establish a neutral
zone. But no special supervision Of
the process of disarmament, except
that of the league, can be admitted,
and an extension of time must be
granted after discussion on the basis
of equality.
Oral Negotiations Proposed.
Oral negotiations to settle details
with respect to the surrender of
warships and aviation measures are
proposed.
Much spaee is devoted to terri
torial questions, all the disputed ter
ritories being taken up. Particular
attention is paid to the Sarre dis
tricts, with its important coal mines.
The population of this district, it is
asserted, has been attached to Ger
many for more than 1000 years. and
the people today are as German as
they were 100 years ago. The sep
aration of the Sarre district, the |
Germans say, is to compensate
France for coal destroyed in the
north. But, it is commended, such a |
question only can be settled on an |
economic basis, not by tearing away |
nationally undisputed territory |
and degrading the league of nations
by involving it in the transaction.
The German government declines |
to make any reparation in the form !
of punishment. and still more en-
pha tically declines to pass on to
parts of the population |
the punishment intended for the
whole community. The annexation
70 the Sarre district to France |
would mean the creation of another
Aisace-Lorraine, Germany claims.
and says the whole question must
be reconsidered.
Admit Injustice in 1871.
Still insisting that the greater
part of Alsace-Lorraine is German,
the Germans admit that, according
to present conceptions of right, an
Injustice was committed in 1871
when the people were not consulted.
Germany, therefore, has promised
reparation, but it would be no rep
atation to cede Alsace-Lorraine,
with its immensely increased
economic wealth, to France at once.
A vote must be taken allowing a
choice between union with France,
union with Germany as free state,
ard complete independence.
Germany has agreed to an indie
pendent Polish state, but the terms
Of the treaty include in it a number
Of totally German towns and extern
sive German tracts of land for mill
tary or economic reasons, withou.
regard to nationality or history, it
is eontsndsd. This particularly sp- |