The Washington herald., 1921-07-08
What Next?

saiileS treaty are based wholly on political
reasons. The objectors think only in po-
hcal terms; they fail to think in terms of
les. The bugaboo ~ of political entanglements
blinds them to the unavoidable necessity of eco
nomc relations and the fact of economic entangle-
ments. Nor is possible for the United States and
! Germany, or for any other two nations to make a
treaty, political economic, both, which
Germs them alone That time is long past. Now
they all nations. This fact is strkingly
evident in the proposed renewal of the japanese
British treaty. Even more intimately, every other
government would have direct and vital interest
in any separate American German treaty. with the
right of protest and seprotection where it affected
them adversely.
But far important is the fact that such
treaty could affect take precedence of the Ver-
saies treaty. Under it, the allies have a mortgage
on Germany. They have not alone the right to
foreclosure, but of the complete control of all of
Gerniany's economic affairs. Any separate treaty
would have to be subject to this and all of its
terms In fact even the declaration of peace recog-
mics this fact being made by its terms subject to
the Versailles pact.
1t claims all the rights which this treaty pro-
vides for the United States and reserves the right
enforce these Yet until this treaty is ratified
this government is not in fact a party to it and
claim rights under it only by resduary interests
in expired partnership. Even at that the admin
stration OF German affairs covering and concerning
those rights would be in the control of others.
Everyone has heard OF the reparations commission
but few appreciate its enormous powers.
1t created by Part VIII of the treaty, but
its mention and its authority are found extended in
many other parts Annexes ii to VII provide the
form and general powers of the commission. Each
OF the allies and the United States, is given one
delegate and assistant delegate But not yet
only unofficial observer who is permitted to
country, Great Britain, France and Italy have
nuous voting power; our absence leaves vote
10 Belgium, Japan, or Jugo-Slavia.
1t this commission that fixed the amount
and terms Of the German reparations. 1t has from
time to time made survey of Germany's economic
and financial condition. her resources and financial
capacity. 1t controls the in kind of all ma
terials, animals machinery, ETC. sequesered by the
German armies. Germany has to supply every
form OF information demanded to her economic
anGhnancial affairs and operations 1t has practical
control of the system of taxation and its decisions
are final The obligations of reparation made
first liens. In short, it is if Germany bank
rupt state was in the hands of this repsration
-+aission as receiver.
- OF just what value would separate treaty with
Germany be under such conditions? The allies have
complete economic control over Germany Any
pact of Commerce and comfy" or by any other
ssame. would be subject to this control. Germany
as politically free. but economically bondman. 1t
Els useless to view the relations of the United States
with her political issue. 1t is wholly economic.
sOn the political side this government returned its
treaty status when it authorized representative
athe supreme council On the economic side can
resume relations, on even footing, with a vote
which in most instances could have the power of
Neto only by ratifyng the Versailles treaty expur-
gated. if desired of all its political obligations
as these expressed in terms of economics.