Omaha daily bee., 1921-04-05
France Would Fix
German War Debt
At Sl5,OO0,OOO,OOO
Plans for Liquidation of obi
cations of All Nations Pre-.
sented by Maryland
Senator.

Philadelphia. April 4.--Plans for
the liquidation OF the external obliga-
tions OF every nation was presented
here last night by Senator France of
Maryland before the American Aca-
denny OF Political and Social Science.
He termed unconditional cancellation
Uncomfortable but maintaining
some plan must be adopted, as inter-
national debts block world trade cir
culation, upon which civilization is
dependent, said:
The United States should call a
conference OF the interested powers
for the purpose of proposing this
method OF settlement or one embody-
ing these principles:
THE German indemnity would be
liked at the sum tentatively agreed
upon at the Anglo-French eighth
conference, Sl5,000,000,000. Germany
10 receive credit for at least S5,000,-
100000 for the cables and for the
territories in Africa and Oceania
transferred to the allied and asso-
oiated powers
This method of liquidation would
enable Germany at once to begin to
purchase from England, France, Rus
sia and the United States what she
80 desperately needs. The United
States would then purchase from the
allied and associated powers for at
least $7,000,000,0 or possibly for
the full amount OF the debts owed to
us, these cables and these territories
in Africa and Oceania This opera
ton would give us liquidation, not by
cancellation, but by substitution Of
valuable assests for securities of
doubtful value.
Would Acquire Territory.
Under this plan the United States
would secure the cables and addi-
tlonal territory to the extent of more
than 100000 square miles, or ap-
proximately one-third of her pres
ent territory. We would cancel the
allied debt with the understanding
that we would go into Africa to CO.
operate with France and England in
carrying out great constructive poll
cy such as we have announced with
reference to the Philippines
United States Senator Mccormick
Of Illinois said:
We shall not obtain one iota of
our debt until disarmament among
the nations in Europe has been ac-
oomplished and until we have assur-
ance that the states of Europe will
not fall back again into that condition
which led them to world war. Be-
fore there should be any talk of cam
collation., they should destroy the
restrictions and rivalries and jeal-
ousies which now exist between the
states and prevent international COM
merce and travel"
He said the treaties of peace which |
followed the recent war are not last
ing, adding: This was the most |
painful discovery | made on my trip |
to Europe. The way has been lett
open for wars OF the future.
The Silesian frontier settlement
will disappoint both the Poles and |
the Germans and we must regret |
that this boundary was not fixed
at the outset of peace negotiations.
Many Men Under Arms.
There is an economic blockade
about the central states of Europe,
there are innumerable restrictions
upon travel and commerce, there is
distrust and i'll will and
amy sort Of exchange between the
nations is almost impossible. Today
there are more men under arms i'll
Europe, west of Russia, than there
were. before the outbreak OF the
war
1T is essential there be a settle
ment and that Europe return to
economic reconstruction. They must
abandon their rivalries and desist
from adventures in Asia. There is
bitterness between the nations re-
Gently associated in the prosecution
OF the war and even neutral nations
have been drawn into the imbroglio,
of hatred and jealousy.
"Since the armistice, Europe has
spent money lavishly.
Part of the debt they owe US
could be paid by territories and
cables, not only those now held by
Germany, but by the other countries
also. There is no doubt that at
present there is a strong discrim-
ination against this country by those
who control means of international
communications Four-hfths of the
cable lines of the world are owned
outside of the United States.
"The only policy in Europe is ma
the only solution for its
Ills is an economic one. In guarding
our own interests we will save Eu-
rope from herself. |,
Let Europe pay her debt to US
by transfer of cables, territories,
and funds which she could
save through disarmament and aban-
1onment of international restric-
lions and rivalries."
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