Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-04-15

Paris. April 15.-(By The Asoocdat-
ed Press.)-The problem Of repara-
tions settlements still has troublous
times before it in connection with the
question of the distribution of the in
demnity to be paid by Germany.
Smaller powers are still to be heard
relative to their shares of the repara-
tions fund, particularly Belgium, the
claims Of which are entitled to first
consideration under various pre-con.
ference pledges.
The tentative scheme Of distribu-
ton which Great Britain and France
have advanced apportions, probably
85 per cent to these big powers. leav-
ing perhaps Is per cent to satisfy the
Rumania, Russia and others.
This is a smaller proportion than
the secondary powers expected and
they are almost sure to be dissatisfied
with it. 1t has been suggested among
the experts on the reparations COM
mission that Rumania, Serbia and
other nations have received repara-
tions through the acquisition Of ter
ritory but this reasoning will scarce
ly appeal to Belgium,
share Of the ,esreparat ttalsa1s {uAds
will. accSrdin to the present under
standing be assigned to Russia for
damage to invaded Russian territory
but probably WI be turned over to
Great Britain and France to apply on
advances made to the old Russian
government during the war.
Although the contributions payable
by Germany are characterized as
reparations, a very considerable part
of the first $4,000, 600. 600 will not be
available for reparation purposes,
since it has been assigned to the pay
ment of the expenses Of the armies Of
occupation and such food supplies as
must be furnished Germany. since the
occupation of the left bank of the
Rhine will continue during the en-
tire two years covered by this first
payment. The expenses. particularly
Of the French occupation army, will
eat deeply into the 5000, ,0O0, 600.
No announcement has yet been
made regarding the precise definition
Of the various ''categories' of repara-
tions. In other words there is no
definition of the classes Of damages
for which Germany is required to pay.
1t can be stated, however. that the
five cateeories adopted comprise
reparation for actual damage to life
and property: pensions for crippled
and families of slain soldiers: COM
pensation for enforced labor enacted
of inhabitants of occupied regions, in
cluding work done by deported Bel
gians; remuneration for Illegally ex-
acted labor by prisoners Of war and
payments for German reQuisitions in
occupied territories.
Although members Of the commits
sion regard the reparations question
as settled in the main. there are va
rious details to be worked. out, in
cluding scheme for German contri-
buttons of labor, raw materials and
manufactured articles for the restora-
ton Of devastated districts.
Another financial question requir.
ing settlement between the Allies is
that of repayment of advances made
by Great Britain and America to the
associated powers. "A sub-commission
was appointed to consider this ques-
ton but the British and American
representatives have thus far not par
ticipated in its deliberations. This has
been apparently in anticipation OF
discussions which might deal more
with the negative aspect Of delaying
or mitigating payments than actual
consideration of repayments.