The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-02-02
TERMS NOT FINAL
Germany Refuses to Believe
Allies Will Stand Pat.
Foreign Minister Indicates No
New Course of Action.
BURDEN ON WORKING CLASS
Expects Help From New Ad-
miniStratiOn in c. S.
Only Communists Refuse to
Join in Coalition Plan.

Berlin, Feb. Germany does not
consider the terms of PREPARATION de-
cided upon by the supreme allied
council at Paris last week as being the
final settlement of the indemnity ques-
ton but the basis of future negotia-
lions.
This was indicated by DR.. Walter
Simons. foreign minister, who spoke
on the reparation question before the
reichstag yesterday. His address was
viewed as a cautious statement by
party leaders.
Has Burned No Bridges.
The prevalent opinion was that DR.
Simons had not burned his bridges
behind him and that his presentation
of the German attitude might enable
him to gain important time, both in
anticipating the attitude of the new
American administration and in reach
ing definite settlement of the fate of
Upper Silesia.
Rumors have been current that the
president of the German cabinet would
resign, but they have been given little
credence, as no other coalition govern
ment would be conceivable under the
present unanimity of political parties
in Germany.
Only the communists stand out as
the opposition. The opinion was also
quite universally expressed that the
independent socialists could adopt no
other attitude than one of stern op-
position to the reparations conditions
under which the proletariat would be
the greatest sufferers. This view was
promptly subscribed to by majority
socialists who have made it known
they would stand by the present gov
eminent.
Hit German Workers.
THE reparation demands are. above
all, blow at the German working
man." DR.. Eduard David, Majority So
cialist leader, and former member of
the ministry, declared in talking with
the Associated Press.
The agrarian classes might be able
to survive such economic impositions,
as they are able to feed themselves.
The wealthy also would probably not
suffer under such a burden, but the
German laboring people would have to
shoulder the burden of such terms.
I'VE are quite willing to have an
entente coalition government COM
prised of English. French, Belgian,
Italians and Japanese take over the
government of Germany and demon
strate the feasibility of the terms i'm
posed upon u.s.
London, Feb. 2.-The conference
called by the supreme council to be
held in London February %, to which
the Germans will be invited will not
be for the purpose of pronouncing an
irrevocable sentence regarding repara-
lions, from which the Germans. will
not be able to appeal, it was authori-
tative1y stated today. The conference,
rather. will be designed to produce a
declaration of the principles of Ger
many's Indebtedness.
1t is pointed out in official circles
that the work of the Paris conference
on reparations was that of making a
solemn declaration of German indebt-
edness. That declaration. it is assert
cd, will in the main be closely adhered
to at the London conference but the
allies and Germany can adjust the
method and time of the payments. 1t
is oven probable. it is stated. that the