The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-06-16
TONE is SOFTER

Continued from Page oae.l
remain the same The view Of those
intimately concerned in making the
alterations is that the greatest change
lies in the new tone manifest in the
20,000-word document explaining the
changes and replying to Count Brock
dorff- RantzaUs objections 4Fke tone
is. said to be moderate ancf-zszpla ma
tory thruout, and the docur1ept is in
tended 10 show that the alIesI desire
only to do Justice and avoid s4saf1icting
unnecessary hardships on their late
enemies. This is particularly true of
the reparations clause, it is under,
stood, which. points out the permanent
allied commission expects to avoid
any unwa ranted interference with
German internal affairs. 1t is said this
clause will tell the Germans they will
be informed of the total of indemni-
ties within a few months. 1(Four
months instead of two years was
agreed to few days ago. but it is
impossible to state whether this
period was finally written into the re-
draft.)
y Huns Into: League in Fall.
The change regarding Germany's
admission to the league of nations is
important, since the phrase ''in a
short time is understood to have been
employed. This is generally accepted
as meaning October, when the first
formal meeting will be held in Wash,
ington. Among the qualifications for
Germany'S admission are her demon
stration of the possession of a stable
democratic government
Notifications concerning the east
ern boundaries go some distance in
meeting Germany's demands. Ger
many is understood to have been
given the opportunity to prove her
claim that upper Silesia territory is
truly German, by a plebiscite to be
neld within six mopths, under direc-
ton of an allied commission.
The Saar valley settlement, accord
ing to authoritative information is
modified materially.
Few Troops on Rhine.
The most radical change in con-
nection with occupation of the Rhine
districts is the decision to place that
territory under civilian instead of
military control. The troops will he
practically all French, with a few
British and still fewer Americans. The
latter in fact may retain only 10000,
or enough to support the American
flag there. The occupation period of
fifteen years, it is said, has not been
changed.
Copyright. 1919. by the United Press)
Hun Counter Proposals.
Paris, June 16-The German coun-
ter proposals contain the following
assertions:
Germany accepted Wilson'S fourteen
points and nothing else as the basis of
peace. :
The original treaty contains a number of
contradictions of principles. particularly in
regard to disposition of German territories
economic conditions and Germanys admis-
sion to the league of nations.
Germany agrees to the basic idea of mill
tary, naval and aerial regulations, espe-
cially to abolition of compulsory service
but contends she must retain sufficient
forces during the period of transition
limit.
Cession of upper Silesia and the Saar
basin should not be carried out without n
ple l5,iissesite The same principle. should be
Schleswig and Moresnet.
VIII Dismantel HeligoIand.
Dismantling of Heligoland is agreed to-
Altho justified in demanding restoration
Of her colonies, Germany is ready to accept
mandatory over them under the league
of nations.
Acceptance of the provision for renuncia
ton of all Germany's rights in Europe out
side her own frontiers is impossible.
The obligation Of paving for all dam
ages sustained by the civil populations of
Belgium and France is accepted.
Germany is anxious TO cooperate in re-
storation of Belgium and France and will
make proposals to this end shortly.
Germany cannot make ton for ton re-
placement of destroyed shipping as this is
beyond her powers of production.
Germany proposes establishment of a
allied reparations commission In working
out the details Of payment of indemnities.
Demand in League Now
Demand is made for immediate admission
to the league of nations.
Protest is made to International control
Of Germany's navigable rivers
The KEEL canal viii be opened to all