The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-06-17
War Brought About Through Decision of
 Berlin Statesmen
tContinued from Page One)

SlDIe to those who have been their
 accomplices'' The tribunals estab-
 lished for the trial of these under
 charges will represent deliberate judg- 'ment of the greater part of the civilized
 world, and there can be no question
 Of admitting the right of jurisdiction
 over representatives of countries
 which took no part in the war. The
 Allies, it is declared, will stand by
 the verdict of history for the impar-
 tiality and justice with which the ac-
 cused will be tried. The accused will
 be insured full rights to defense and
 the judgment of the tribunal will have
 the most solemn judicial character.
 The Allied and associated powers are
 prepared to submit a. final list of
 those who must be handed over to
 justice within one month of the sign
 ing of the treaty.
 The allied and associated powers
 refuse to enter into a. discussion with
 the principles underlying the repara-
 tion 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"
 The problem of separations Is of such extraordinary magnitude and
 complexity that it can be solved only
 by a continuing body limited in per-
 sonnel and invested with broad DOW CTS. The reparation commission is,
 the reply declares, instructed to ex-
 ercise it's powers so as to insure in
 the interest of all as early and com plete a discharge by Germany of her separations obligations as is consis- tent with the true maintenance of the social, economic and financial struc- ture of Germany.
 It is pointed out that the commits sion is not an "engine of oppression" nor @ device for interfering with Ger many's sovereignty. Its business is to fix what is to be paid, satisfy itself that Germany can pay and report in case Germany does not pay. The commission cannot prescribe or en- force taxes or dictate the character of the German budget, but may examine the latter to see if any modification IS desirable, probably in Germany's in terests, and to be assured that Ger man taxation is at least as heavy as the heaviest allied taxation.
 It IS pointed out that not only are the conditions not incompatible with the creation by Germany of a. com mission to represent her in dealing with the reparation commission and Tor such cooperation as may be nec- essary, but it is greatly to be desired that she will take exactly that step.
 The powers are willing that. within four months of the signature of the treaty Germany may submit any pro- posals she may choose to make. In particular she may offer a lump sum for all or part of her liabilities, under take to reconstruct all or part of a damaged district. offer labor, tech nical service or material for recon struction, or, in short, suggest any feasible plan to simplify the assess ment of damage, eliminate any ques- tion from the scope of the inquiry, promote the performance of the work or accelerate the definition of the ul- timate amount to be paid. Germany must, however negotiate direct with the powers concerned before making the proposals, submit them in unami- gous form and accept the reparation clauses as matters beyond dispute No arguments or appeals directed to any will be entertained
 Within two months thereafter the allied and associated powers will an- swer such proposals and agree to con- sider seriously and fairly any sugges- lions made. It is said the problem is largely one of statistics, of which the powers have received but one side. Germany is invited to produce evil fence which will accelerate function The reply says that the Germans made 10 definite offer as to reparations, but gave only vauge expressions of will 1ngness to do something" The sum |f 100000, 100000 marks, which was mentioned in the enemy counter pro- posals, Is said to give the impression )f an extensive offer which on exam nation it proves not to be. Interest vas not to be paid and until 1928 there will be no substantial payment after which there could be series of unde- lined installments running over nearly half a century
 Declaring that the resumption Of German inquiry is of interest to the allies, well as to Germany, the re- ply declares that commercial faciIi- its will not be withheld from Ger many, but they will afford to Ger many facilities for food supplies, rail- way materials and overseas trans port under conditions which cannot be laid down in advance"
 Meanwhile, the treaty must be signed" the reply declares. The burdens of Germany undoubtedly are heavy, but they are imposed under conditions of justice by peoples whAse social well being and economic pros- perity have been gravely impaired by wrongs which 1t is beyond the ut most power of Germany to repair"
 In the financial section of the reply It is stipulated that reparation must be made prior to the settlement of all other German public debts, with such as the commission may approve. Payments for food may also be a first charge, and gold may be on approval. Germany must | pay the expense of military occupa- ion, as an essential guarantee of | peace, and war material surrendered 1 after the armist;ce cannot be credited | lgainst reparaiion. Liberated terri ! .ories will be for their portion of the | ,re-war debt. put will not assume any | part of the war debt itself
 After the events Of the war;" 1t is | 'aid. the powers have the right to !! demand that Germany be no longer 1 teIr iv,xr0 fha oiol