Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-06-17


carefully examined. The problem Of
reparation Is Of such extraordinary
magnitude and complexity that It can
be solved only by a continuing body.
limited in personnel and invested with
broad powers. The reparation com
mission, the reply declares. Is instruct
ed to exercise its powers so rs to in
sure In the interest Of aii as early and
complete a discharge by Germany OF
her reparations obligations as is con-
sistent with the true maintenance OF
the social. economic and financial
structure Of Germany.
1t Is pointed out that the commits
sion Is not an "engine OF aggression
nor a device for interfering with Ger
many's sovereignty. It's business Is
to fix what is to be paid. satisfy itself
that Germany can pay. and report IN
case Germany does not pay. The COM
mission can not prescribe OF enforce
taxes or dictate the character Of the
German budget, but may examine the
latter to see If any modification Is de-
sirable; probably In Germany's Inter-
ests. and to be assured that German
taxation Is at least as heavy as the
heaviest allied taxation.
Given Chance to Make Good.
1t Is pointed out that not only are
the conditions not Incompatible with
the creation by Germany Of a commits
sion to represent her in dealing with
the reparation commission, and for
such corporation as may be neces-
sary, but 1t Is greatly to be desired
that she will take exactly that step.
The powers are willing that within
four months Of the signing OF the
treaty Germany may subhit any pro-
posals she may choose to make. In
particular she may offer lump sum
fog all or part of her liability, under
take to reconstruct all or part Of the
damaged district, offer labor, technical
service or material for reconstruction,
or. in short, suggest any feasible plan
to simplify the assessment of damage
eliminate any question from the scope
of the inquiry, promote the perform
ance Of the work and accelerate the
definition of the ultimate amount to
repair. Germany must, however, ne
gotiate direct with the powers con-
cerned before making the proposals.
submit them in unambiguous form, and
accept the TepaTation clauses mai
ter beyond dispute. No arguments or
be entertained.
German Offer Too Vague.
Within two months thereafter the al
lied and associated powers will answer
such proposal and agree to consider Sc
riously and fairly any suggestions
made. 1t IL said the problem is large
ly one Of statistics, of which the pow
ers have received but one side. Ger
many Is invited to produce evidence
which will accelerate the final deci-
sion.
The reply says the Germans made no
definite offer Of reparation, but gave
only vague impressions of Willingness
to do something"
The sum OF 500, 900, 100000 marks
which was mentioned in the. enemy
counter proposals Is said to give the
Finapsession Of an extensive offer, which,
upon examination. 1t proves not to be.
Interest was not to be paid, and until
1923 there would be, no substantial
payment. after which there could be a
series OF indefinite installments run
ming over nearly half century.
Declaring that the resumption of
German industry Is of interest to the
allies as we'll as to Germany, the re-
ply declares tinat commercial facilities
will not be withheld from Germany,
but they will afford to Germany facili-
ties for food supplies, raw materials
and overseas transport, under condi-
tions. which can not be laid down in
advance"
Germany Must Suffer.
Meanwhile the treaty must be sign
co. the reply declares. The burdens
OF Germany undoubtedly are heavy,
put they were imposed under condi-
lions OF Justice by peoples whose social
well being and economic prosperity
nave been sravely impaired by wrongs
"hlch 1t is beyond the utmost power
OF Germany to repair"
IN the financial section Of the reply
is stipulated thet reparation must be
made prior to the Settlement of all 9TH
er German public debts. with such ex-
ceptions as the commission may ap-
prove. Payment for food may also be
1lrst charge, and gold may be ex-
ported on approval.
Germany must pay the expense Of
military occupation, as an essent;a1
guarantee Of peace, and war material
surrendered after the armistice c,n
not De credited against repara+ion
Liberated territories will bear their
poitloh OF the prewar' debt but will
itself. -, - ""i ueo'
Must Surrender Credits.
After the events of the u,,r" !. 8.
said. the powers have tba r;r.t ~
oeiano That Germany be no longer
Intimately involved in their financia,
or economic life. or in. that of Ger
InahSs former allies. or Russia, As
the greater part Of Germany's foreign
securities must be liauidated, the pro-
tecuon or German holders will no lon
ger justify German participation in in.
ternational organization"
Inc right Is reserved to demand of
germany also her credits in Austria
hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey.
IN the discussion Of the, economic
clauses the reply states that the prin-
ciples enunciated by President Wilson
and embodied in the covenant or the
league of nations as to the equality Of
trade conditions Will be brought into
enect when the world returns to nor
NAL, but in the meantime transitory
regime IS essential to save certain
allied states from a position Of &C.
onomic inferiority because of the dam
age done to their territories during the
war, Reciprocity is Impossible at
present and a general and indiscrIm-
mate reapplication OF multilateral and
bilateral treaties can not be accepted.
Consul or relations are nat recipro-