The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1920-01-13
u. s. STANDS ALONE IN
STATE WAR WITH GERMANY
Peace Now Exists Between Germany,
France, Great Britain and Other
Allied and Associated Powers
With Exception of America.

Paris, Jan. 1O.-(By the Associated
PPPress. s.)-Ratificatlons Of the treaty
of Versailles were exchanged, and
Great Britain and the other allied and
peace between Germany, France,
associated powers with the exception
of the United States, became effec-
tive at 4.16 o'clock this afternoon.
There were eleventh hour rumors of
further postponement, but these
proved to be groundless.
The outstanding comment tonight
on the ceremony is that it leaves the
United States the only power which
was actively at war with Germany
not now on a peace basis. That was
the note sounded by Baron Kurt Won
Lersner, head of the German peace
delegation, in a statement to the
Associated Press, Immediately after
the ceremony.
Regrets Americas Action.
Il am naturally happy that peace
has finally become effective" Won
Lersner said. "My great regret is
that the United States is the only
country with which Germany is still
in a state of war. I hope, however,
that this situation will soon be chang
ed.
Execution of the treaty of Yer
sailles imposes upon Germany the
heaviest sacrifice ever borne by a
nation in modern times. We lost in
the west and in the east territories
that belonged to Prussia for many
centuries. We have assumed enor-
nous economic obligations. Neverthe-
less, I am glad that peace is at last
reestablished, because it will give
back to Germany her beloved sons
still prisoners abroad
1--WE have already, even without be-
ing obliged by the terms of the treaty
delivered a considerable quantity of
products, including two and one
half million tons of coal to France,
and can say that Germany will go
to the utmost limit Of possibility IN
fulfilling all the obligations she has
incurred. It will mean hard times
for Germany, but with the recovery
of our ardor for labor and produc-
ton we hope to meet every emer-
gency.
Much Interest to Allies.
1.-THE recovery of our economic
prosperity is as much to the interest
Of the Entente as it is to US, on ac-
count of the great economic diff
culties that threaten all Europe. 1t
is obvious, speaking chiefly of France,
that her economic prosperity depends
upon the economic recovery of Ger
many"
Baron Won Lersner said he had
mad several very satisfactory confer
ences with Louis Loucheur, French
minister Of reconstruction, regarding
the resumption of trade relations be-
tween Germany and France, and add
ed that he hoped the European ma
tions, working together, would solve
the great economic problems. The
most thorny remaining problem ap-
Deared to Won Lersner to be the ques
ton of the extradition Of a consider
able number Of German officers, Off
cials and soldiers to be tried for
crimes alleged to have been commit
ted during the war.
Armistice Still Exists.
Washington, Jan. 10.-Formal no
Jice has been served on Germany by
the United States in connection with
the deposit at Paris today of ratih-
cations putting into effect the treaty
of Versailles, hat conditions of the
armist;ce still govern relations be-
tween the United States and Ger
many.
Announcement Of this action was
made tonight by the State depart
ment in statement shf-Ving that Off
cial notification of Il, exchange had
been received. Outlining the situa-
ton due to the fact that the United
States had not ratified the treaty, it
said:
':It is the position of this govern
ment that the armistice continues in
full force and effect between the
United States and Germany and ac-
eordingly the provisions of the arm
istice agreement of November II,
1918, as we'll as the provisions of the
extension on these agreement, re-
main binding on these two nations.
Notice Of this was given to. the
German government by the United
States.