Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-06-17

Uentfnued From raee One
brinsing on these calamities is essentia
- the score of justice and as deter
rent for others who may be tempted tt
hollow their example" 80: 80 =, .
The reply asserts the powers cannot
"entrust the trial OF, those responsible
to those who have been their accom- =
plices. The tribunal for the trial ol
those under charges will represent the
deliberate judgment of the greater part
OF the civilized world. and there can
BE- no question OF admitting the right
Of jurisdiction Of representatives OF
countries which took no part in the
war The Allies, it declared. will stand
BY the verdict Of history for the i'm
partiality and justice with which the
accused will be tried. The accused will
be insured full rights OF defense and
the Judgment of the tribunal will have
the most solemn judicial character. The
allied and associated powers are pre-
pared to submit a final list of those
who must be handed over to justice
within one month Of the signing of the
treaty.
Counter Proposals Distorted
The allied and associated powers re =
fuse to enter into discussion over the
principles underlying the reparations
clauses, but certain observations are
made. especially as the German pro
posals are said to present a view so
distorted and ineSact as to raise doubt
If the clauses were calmly and carefully
examined
The problem of reparations is of such
extraordinary magnitude and complex
ity that it can be solved only by con
tinuing body, limited in personnel and
invested with broad powers. The repa
ration commission is. the reply de
clares, instructed to exercise its powers
so as to insure. in the interest of all.
as early aud complete a discharge by
Germany of her reparation obligations
as is consistent with the true mains
teDance of the social. economic and
financial structure of Germany.
It is pointed out that the commission
Is not an 'engine Of oppression" nor
device for interfering with Germany S
sovereignty1 Its business is to fix what
is to be paid. satisfy itself that Ger
many can pay and report in case Ger
many does not pay. The commission
cannot prescribe or enforce taxes or
dictate the character of the German
budget, but may examine the latter to
Gee II any modification is desirable,
probably in Germany's interests, and to
be assured that German taxation is at
least as heavy as the heaviest allied
taxation.
II is pointed out that. not only are
the conditions not compatible with the
creation by Germany of commission
to represent her in dealing with the
reparation commission and for such CO.
Is greatly to be desired that she will
take exactly that step.
May Make New Proposal
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 lump for all
or part of her liability. offer labor,
technical service or material for recon
struction or, in short. suggest any feas-
ible plan to simplify the assessment
the scope of the inquiry, promote the
performance of the work or accelerate
I the definition of the ultimate amount to
be paid. Germany must, however, ne
gotiate directly with the powers con .
cerned before making the proposals;
submit them III unambiguous form and
accept the reparation clause as matter
beyond dispute No arguments or ap-
pesls directed 70 any. alteration will be
entertained.
Within two months thereafter the al
lied and associated powers will answer
such proposalss and. agree to consider
seriously and fairly any suggestions
made. 1t is said the problem is largely
one of statistics of which the powers
have received only one side. Germany
Is invited to produce evidence which
will accelerate final decision.
German Offer Misleading
The reply says that the Germans
made no definite offer as to reparations.
but "gave only vague expressions of
willingness to do something" The sum
of 100. 900 900, 900 marks (S25, 900,
900 900 which was mentioned in the
enemy counter proposals. is said to
give the impression of an extensive offer.
which, upon examination, it proves not
to be. Interest was not to be paid,
and until 1928 there would be no sub
stantial payment, after which there
could be series of underlined install
ments running over nearly half a cen
tuyy.
Declaring that the resumption Of Ger
man industry is Of interest to the Allies.
1s well as to Germany, the reply de-
ciares that commercial facilities will
not be withheld from Germany, but
they will afford to Germany facilities
for food supplies, raw materials anG
overseas transport, under conditions
(which cannot be laid down in ad
vance"
Treaty Must Be Signed
Meanwhile, the treaty must b,
signed, the reply declares. "The bur.
dcns of Germany undoubtedly ar,
heavy. but they are imposed under con
ditions of justice by peoples whose socia
we'll being and economic prosperit,
have been gravely impaired by wrong,
which ID is beyond the utmost power O
Germany to repair"
In the financial section of the reply
Il is stipulated that reparation mus
be made prior to the settlement of al
other German public debts, with sucl
exceptions as the commission may an
prove. Payment for. food may also b
first charge, and gold may be ex
ported on approval.