Norwich bulletin., 1920-02-21

Washington. Feb 20. - President Wilson in reply to Senator Brande- gees resolution informed the senate today that he had not entered into any agreement or understanding With or fcials of Great Britain concerning the sslA Of, former German liners seized ln American ports. nor had he entered int, any agreement or understanding with respect to what disposition should he made of them by the United States.
 At the same time he transmitted to the senate a copy of a proposed agreement between the allied and associated governments at Paris un- der which each is to retain as it's own the complete title to and use Of all ships captured. seized or detained during the war as a war. measure, and to own the same free from any claim of any of the allied or associat- ed governments"
 This agreement further provides that ip case the ships so retained by any allied or. associated government are in excess of the claims Of such governments for war losses in mer- chant ships such government shall not make a claim for a share of other shiDs ceded under the treaty of peace. Ships so Ceded will be distributed among the other governments on the basis of ten for ton and class for class of the ships lost and not replaced by the enemy vessels seized pr captured by them during the war.
 II also provides that since the ships to he retained by the United States, Brazil China Cuba and siam would exceed their claims for merchant tom mage lost the commission shall deter mine a reasonable value of the excess and that those countries shall pay such sums to the commission for the credit Of Germany in making repara- tion for war losses of merchant ships. The president said that while he felt confident that congress would make the disposal Of the funds to which he had agreed. he had no authority to bind if tosthat act but must depend upon it's taking the same view in the matter that is taken by the joint sig latories of this agreement"
 Text of Message.
 Tine presidents message to the sen ate follows:
 "I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a resolution passed by the senate on Feb. II requesting the president to Inform that body whether any. and if so what. agreement or un-. dersta nding exists between him and
 
 the disposition by the United States of America of the German ships which the shipping board is proposing to sell, ar were acquired by the United States after the termination of hostilities be- tween said United States and the Central European Teutonic powers "The ships for the purchase of which bids have been asked by tho shipping board were taken over by executive orders issued pursuant to the joint resolution of congress of May. 12, 1917, authorizing the president to take over for the United States the pnssession and tile of any vessel within it's juris- diction. under enemy ownership, or under the registry of an enemy cOun- try The government of the United States is not in possession of any ex- German vessels except those taken over under this resolution. Under an arnistice agreement between the Ger man government and the allied and associated powers certain German vessels were taken over primarily for the transport of food to Europe, in cluding Germany. and for the trans portation of troops. Of the tonnage so taken over certain passenger ships were aIlocated to the United States temporarily for the purpose of repatri- ating American soldiers. When the
  pleted. these vessels were all surren- iered in accordance with the agree ment under which they were tempo rarily allocated to this government for such use.
 'There is not nor has there been any agreement or understanding between the president of the United States and officials of Great Britain concerning the sale of the ex-German vessels in possession of the United States, nor Is there any agreement or understand ing with respect to what disposition shall be made of those ships by the United States
 Has Been No Agreement.
 T believe the above informa ton fully answers the senate inquiry. How ever. I am transmitting herewith a draft of a proposed understanding in regard to ex-enemy merchant tonnage to which I have given assent. subject to future action of congress, as pro- vided therein. Although this under standing. which recognizes America s right with regard to German vessels taken in our ports, does not relate to the disposition of such vessels by the United States, I am. nevertheless, transmitting it in order that the sen- ate may be in possession of all the in formation there is in any way relating to the vessels in question. I had in- tended to submit this to congress at the appropriate time after the rati- fication of the treaty with Germany.
 {Signed)
 WOODROW WILSON.
 'se0 February. 1920"