Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-07-08
GERMANS MAY GET
S|X-MONTHP PERIOD
T0D|SARM TROOPS
Compromise Is Reported
Reached at Conference
of Delegates.
BERLIN FIRST HELD OUT
FOR FIFTEEN MONTHS
Country Moved by Spa Meeting of
Allies-People Want Arms
Surrendered.

Allies-People Want Arms
Surrendered.
Bv the Associated Press.
SPA, Belgium, July S--A compro-
mise with Germany on the time to be
allowed her for disarmament fixing
the period at six months. looked to be
the probable outcome today of the
conferences among the allied dele
gates here. The Germans had asked
for fifteen months in which to dis
arm.
The allied representatives met this
morning and for two hours and
half discussed the German plan pre-
sented yesterday. 1t resulted in an
agreement being reached upon the
attitude that should be taken on the
disarmament question.
The full conference, the meeting
time of which had been set for noon,
was postponed until $3.50 o'clock.
when, it was stated, the allies would
make known to the Germans the maj
decision regarding disarmament
Nothing was given out oflc1ally as TO
this decision, but it was understood
II had been agreed to allow the Ger
mans six months in which to dlsarm.
Communique ON Meeting.
The official communiQue on the morn
ing's meeting read:
'The conference met this morning
without the Germans to receive the re-
port of the military representatives OF
the allies on their views with regard 70
the reply to the German proposals for
disarmament, in material and effectives
The special reports of the military.
naval and aerial experts on the relative
figures of the Germans and the allies
also were considered. The reply will be
communicated to the German delegation
at 3: 80 O'Clock this afternoon"
By Cable to The Star and Chicago
Daily News. Copyright, 1920.
BERLIN, July S.-Germany is quite
moved over the reports from the con-
ference at Spa with the allied premiers.
For the first time the German peo-
pie seem to be learning Something
regarding the point of view Of the
allied nations. Heretofore the Ger
man newspapers have ignored the
question, of disarmament which is
deemed so important, particularly by
the French. The German people have
believed they were being nagged by
the allies who desired the destruction
of Germany. Even citizens OF neutral
nations temporarily residing in Ger
many said, 1.-The allies are going
little too far in their persecution OF
Germany"
Now. however, the German news
papers are building headlines on the
Critical turning point at Spa," on
Prime Minister Lloyd Georges ulti-
matum regarding disarmament and on
reports of the clash with Chancellor
Fehrenbach and Minister of Defense
Gessler. Germans are just waking up
to the fact that the allies believe
there is a great quantity of arms in
Germany which must be delivered up
before there can be further serious
conversations.
Impressed by Demand.
The people are impressed by Lloyd
Georges demand for facts and figures 3"
To the great mass Of the German people
this comes as a relief. They can never
be convinced that there is any good rea-
son for withholding arms and for not
reducing the army to the country's po-
lice requirements. The people hate the
name Of war and could not be coaxed
into hostilities. Hence, with them, dis
armament is secondary matter; they
want peace and certain knowledge of
their responsibilities under the indem-
nifty. Therefore. there is an undercur-
rent OF hope among the people that the
Spa conference will clear the air for
them.
The politicians seem to wish to with
hold arms only as a guaranty against
the occupation of more German terri
In, coming to an agreement over the coal
and financial clauses in the treaty Only
a few wild reaetionaries even dream of
reforming the army. The German dele
cation to the conference would hardly
dare return and face the infuriated peo-
pie if they left the conference because
of refusal to accept terms for disar-
mament and the reduction of the army
Germany Hopes for Changes.
Germany hopes for several changes
in the terms of the Versailles treaty
as result of the Spa conference.
Among them are, first. to be allowed
TO maintain an army of 900 in.
stead of only 10000 men: second, the
indemnity payments reduced to the
lowest possible amount and extended
over the longest possible period
third. the evacuation by the allies OF
the occupied territory, especially the
Rhine region and upper Silesia
fourth, provisions for ship space
fifth, credits TO enable the country tC
purchase food and raw materials, ant
sixth. trade and economic favors deal
ing with compensation for and the
exchange of goods.
1t is possible that Germany will bt
disappointed in nearly all these de
sires. but there should be thrown OF
the treaty enough light to let Ger.
many know just how much sh.
owes. Then she may be expected tt
shoulder her burden. The German
people themselves care little abou
the disposition of the army and les.
about arms. Their prime thought!
are concerned with ways of remoyinf
the present economic stagnation, will
its attendant misery, unemployment
and unrest. Hence the Spa conferenc,
holds their attention.
Hopes to Hold Siiesia.
II is strongly desired in German,
that upper Silesia be permitted t.
remain part of the empire in ordel
that Germans may fulfill their Goa
delivery obligation and rebuilt thei
own industry. Observers tell me tina
if the plebiscite were held now |
would result in Germany's favor
The coal from there is much needed
In 1913 Germany produced 1872, 900 90
tons of coal. of which the Saar Basin
Lorraine, and other provinces lost il
the war contributed 100000 tons
In 1913 1900. 900 tons of coal an,
coke were imported, but at the sam
time 100000 tons were exported
leaving 161.o00.000 tons TO be used
The lost territories used 90, 0OO, 900 tons
leaving for Germany as it now exist
141 600 900 tons.
At its present rate of productio,
Germany will turn out this year $50.
900, 1000. This is lower than the pre-
war rate, owing to lack of food. On
million tons have been exchange
under compensation agreements wit
the CZechs for brown coal and suga,
with the Swiss for milk and with Hol
land for cheese. During 1919. 1000,
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