New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-11-27

note of the Allies of the Accompanying
protocol.
"This delay in the ratification of
the treaty would be the more regret
table. as it might arouse doubts con-
corning the sincerity of Germany 8
intentions with regard to the execu-
Ito NOT the agreements arising from
the armistice, and those contained in
the peace treaty. Still, it would seem
primarily in the interest of the Ger.
man people, to ensure that the prompt
going into effect of the treaty bring
about peace and make possible the re-
construction which would thereby ensue
to the entire world.
"The signature of the protocol of
ratification determines in particular the
date of the return of the prisoners of
war to Germany. On this subject I
feel bound to reply to the inaccurate
statement, reiterated in your letter of
made and not fulfilled by the French
government. The truth is quite differ
ent:
''On August % the Supreme Council
accepted draft resolution concerning
prisoners of war, to the effect of an
tlcipating the date of the ratification
OF the peace treaty with regard to the
repatriation of prisoners and the i'm
mediate beginning of the repatriation.
This resolution was at once executed
and the repatriation of prisoners of
by the British, American and the Bel
gian armies were returned to Germany,
IN full accord with the French govern
ment.
"But the decision added that the
continuation of this benevolent policy
would depend upon the fulfillment by
the German government and peoples
of all the obligations which are incum-
bent upon them. The date of the mott
fication of the Allied and associated
powers CD, the patience Of the Allies
IN waiting for the execution of the
German agreements, as we'll as Ger
many's violations of them on a number
of very important points. The conse-
qucnce CT this could only be the dis
continuance of the repatriation and the
decision to strictly adhere to the
clauses of the peace treaty, which make
the return of the prisoners of war con-
tingent upon the going into force of
the treaty.
The final ratification in eight days
and the return of the prisoners to their
homes depend on the German govern
ment 1t is only necessary that the
agree on the practical conditions of
the execution of the clauses concern
ing eastern territories, and that the
protocol, annexed to the notifications
of November l and providing for the
integral execution of the clauses of
the armistice, and for the penalties for
violations, be signed without any new
questions being raised, as on November
"a, 1919.
Responsibility on Berlin
Since the drafting of the present
letter, the sending of which was only
delayed by the absence Of the presi-
dent of the peace conference, new
fact was brought to the attention of
the Supreme Council by your letter of
November 23-the departure of the
German experts, with Mr. Won Simson,
who arrived three days before to set
tie with the Allied commissions the
questions raised by the execution Of
the treaty and concerning the opera
dellmitation commissions.
THE supreme council was extremely
surprised by the departure of the Ger
man delegates, which can only be in
terpreted as the proof of the deter
mination of Germany to hinder again
the preliminary agreements, indispen-
sable for the final exchange of rati-
fications of the peace treaty. This
fact raises very regrettable doubts as
to the intentions of the German gov
eminent
The supreme council desires to be
definitely informed on the subject in
the shortest time possible and holds
the German government fully respon-