The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-03-01
ARMIES OF FRANCE
ALREADY ON WAY
Supreme Council Amazed at
Tactics of Germans.
SimOns Offers Allies $7,5OO,-
100000 Substitute Indemnity.
MARSHAL FgCH TO LEAD
All Plans Complete, But No
Announcement Made.
British Leaders Had Part in
Drawing Up Campaign.

London, March 1.-Allied leaders
will meet at 4 p. m. to consider PEN
alties to be inflicted on Germany for
not meeting their reparations de-
mands, it was officially announced to-
day following the first session with
the German delegates.
After Won Simons had outlined in
formally the German counter propos-
ais. the allies refused to hear the ex-
perts who were ready to testify that
the sums ordered were all that Ger
many could afford to pay.
Ignored Allied Demands.
1t was officially announced that Won
Simons had ignored the allied demand
that 2 per cent tax be imposed on
German exports for the benefit of the
allies and that he had offered a maxi
mum of a billion and a half pounds.
The German offer is nominally
1890, 600, 900 the allies demanded
$55. 900, ,00G. 900, it was announced the
allies will meet the German delegation
again tomorrow.
1t was understood outside the con-
ference that after Doctor Simons, the
foreign minister had finished his
statements on reparations to the con-
ferees. Mr.. Lloyd George. the British
prime minister, replied in substance
that unless the Germans had some-
thing more to offer than appeared in
Doctor Simons's statement there was
no need of continuing the conference.
Warned by Lloyd George.
Mr.. Lloyd George told the German
FOREIGN minister:
A. the written proposals are of the
same general character as the eXpla-
nation of them 1t is not worth while
1or us to read them. You have a
complete lack of comprehension of
the position of the allies and of your
own position. We will discuss among
ourselves our reply and give it to you
tomorrow at II o'clock"
When the Germans left the confer
ence they appeared to be greatly de-
pressed. Premiers Lloyd George and
Brfand were smiling as they came from
the conference chamber.
Germans Arc Downcast.
The whole German delegation was
very reticcnt and was not hopeful as
to tie outcome of the meeting with
the allies.
1T is what happens at Berlin, where
the final decision will be taken" said
one of the Germans, which really
matters"
The allied supreme council ad-
1ourncd suddenly today after hearing
the German offer on reparatiOns.
Premier Lloyd George was reported
TO have listened to the offer in amaze
ment and to have remarked that If the
proposal was the best Germany could
offer the conference might as well be
called off.
frother session will be held at 4
p. m.
Simons Only Mouthpiecc.
DR.. Walter Simons. head of the Ger
man delegation to the reparations con-
ference, has not been given plenary
powers by the German government. it
was learned a short time before the
conference began. For that reason, it
was said he could not accept or reject
proposals outside his instructions.
He is merely a mouthpiece of the
German government with which he
will remain in constant communication
during the meeting in this city. The
German representatives were reported
to have been surprised that the ses-
sion had been called for this forenoon
and the whole staff. including Doctor
Simons. worked all night to get the
German statement ready.
Had Cold Reception.
The German delegation was re-
ceived coldly in London. Porters hes
itated to carry baggage and the rep
resentatives were snubbed at the Sa-
voy. where they were quartered.
Won Simons and others of the party
took the snubs with apparent good ma
ture. Asked how he was enjoying
h1mSel1, the foreign minister declared
he had only one complaint-that was
that the food was too rich and that he
intended to ask for simpler menus
The observation drew sneers from
London papers. the Mail declaring II
was quite in accord with the general
shamming of the Germans"
The conference was awaited with
some anxiety but the fact that the al
lies apparently were in full accord
was looked upon by the press as IA
vorable to a settlement.
French Army Already Moving.
Paris. March preliminary steps
for the execution of military plans de.
vised by the allies to force German
obedience to reparations demands
were taken today.
For the first time in over two years
trains of long guns were be
ing dragged toward the frontier The
guns were ready for instant service i
needed.
There were renewed signs of life IL
big infantry camps.
All Plans Complete.
Aside from the activity of the troop