Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-05-07

SATURDAY EVENING. NAY Z. 1921.
WENT OF A WEEK.
The matter Of German repayations ha, oocun,ad
the attention OF every important government during the
week, and. because the subject is intimately related to
the world economic situation. the Developments have
been watched by business men everywhere, in many
cases by those who usually pay little attention to for
eign affairs. The determined attitude Of the supreme
council has done much to divest the situation Of some
contributed to this end by President Harding and Sec
rotary HuEhea-
AS the time approached when 1t became Svfdent
that the Allies were inclined to insist on a definite set.
tlement Of the controversy, the German government ap-
pealed to that of the United States. first Offering to sub.
nit the whole question Of rcparations to Precedent Hard
Ing. and 10 abide by his decision, To this a prompt, po-
lite. but decided refusal was sent. The United States
government could not agree to act as umpire in q Discus
sion between Germany and the associates Of the United
States in the war against Germany. This government
would undertake, If Germany saw fit TO make such an
offer to the Allies as would serve "a a haeds Of discus
sion. to transmit that offer In a manner agreeable to
them,
The offer was so promptly forthcoming - to sus-
sest the possibility that Dr.. Simon had had 1t In hs
pocket all the time. In the opinion Of the American
authorities it would not serve as a basis for discussion.
and the German government was SO informed irnmedl-
ately. 1t was urged at the same time to present Its fur.
thar offers directly to the Allies. and to make them clear.
definite and adequate. That put an end to all specula.
ton over the possibility of the United States becoming
separated from the Allies over the question Of repara-
tons Germany was informed in plain terms that the
United States stood squarcly with Its friends, and that.
with them, it expected Germany to make reparations to
.he limit Of its ability.
= \ X = i
While this correspondence was in progress the so
preme council was considering ways and means to bring
Germany to time. Out Of the several conferences, tn
which Franco abated her demands somewhat, and Great
Britain and Italy conceded somethtnr tn thu necAAftleR
arising out Of the peculiar position Of France. came a
concise and definite program, the terms Of which have
been widely published. In brief. the Allies demand OF
Germany disarmament. immediate payment Of the SONS
due May l. trial Of war criminals. and the szecutioa Of
various other treaty pledges. The Allies decided. and
SO notified Germany, to proceed with preparations for
the occupation OF the Ruhr valley. and to proceed on
May IL with this occupation unieD In the meantime they
have received from Germany q categorical acceptance
Of all the terms laid down. The case az stated admits
of no eq1ivocation or discussion. Germany vas given
six deys within which to Answer yes" Failing that an
swer her most valuable industrial district will be occu-
pied by foreign troops, and such other measures Will be
taken as are necessary to compel compliance,
X \ II +
Failure to stave off further the dag Of settlement
prompted the German cabinet to tender lite resignation
Although. there has been no formal acceptance It Is az
pected that a new cabinet will be formed. The president
cabinet has been asked by President Ebert to remain
in charge temporarily. Just now there u much specula-
ton as to the nature Of the new political alignment
which will be developed out OF this crisis.
'
Lloyd George has made his report to the houae Of
commons. and the decisions reached by the supreme
council have been given a very full approval by the pre-
miers political opponents. Premier BRAND, OF France.
is naturally we'll satisfied that he has secured the ap-
proval Of so much of his original program, and at the
same time has retained the support Of his two great
allies The Italian foreign minister, Count Storm, has re-
turned home to make his report. we'll pleased with the
results. .--l-i
An interesting incident occurred lust a. Count
sforza was leaving London for home. He was questioned
by a newspaper man as to the Zap situation. and he re-
piled without reservation that he believed the American
position on this question to be sound. and he hoped to
see it sustained. He authorised the publication Of his
statement, saying that he knew Of no reason for conceal
ing his opinions. 1nasnuch as he had just como from
a meeting Of Allied representatives., and that statesmen
are not in the habit Of declaring themselves on inapor-
tant international questions without some good reason
It may at least be suspected that Count sforza has good
reason to believe that the predominant sentiment among
the Allies is in favor Of recognizing the justice Of the
American claims in the Zap cas-.
Upper sa1ena has been the scene OF dist uroances Of
some magnitude. Resident Poles view with strong dis
favor the prospect of a. considerable part Of this prov.
inca being awarded to Germany as a result Of the recen,
plebiscite, and during the week they have engaged II
many riotous demonstrations. Small forces OF Allied
troops stationed in the terrttory for the maintenance Of
order have been attacked, and the situation seems nkel,
TO be a dtmcult one to handle. It does not appear. tha
the Polish government Is involved in these dernonStra
lions, Is the disturbances seem to Be entirely Of 1ooa
origin.
X + =
While the question Of Mexican recognition 10 70
oa6ytns the careful study Of the American adnainiskra
ton. the subject is also receiving. some attantlon acros
thu water. In answer TO = question from the floor Of tn
house Of commons Sir Cecil HarnswoSth. under 0cre
ts1y Of the foreign Affairs department. sid that the "a
minsration recognized the dearabaAty Of recognition o
sstA1 Mexican government as a means OF Stahalizdng II
fnars In that country, but that there seemed to be to,
sTAat hack OF stability and safety to warrant recosnito,
g this time.
Pasallslng the reports cf further disordass In ne
$50, 81 which members Of both crown and indspenden
$780, ware killsd. coma reports Of oonfersncss which
!A0ee1tns " Sons usYpotnts. provide grounds for hop
Ga1saoa. 81 one % thAas eo1SsrsncAs thA chssf past3c
tS31sIHkA rspebHd Aals Dir Iaases HITS, who = sxpeses
y pe1ntsr q UistAr when ths ~ UlEsr ~paEfAIhsn
11S6 " function. Itttle has beens6iven ont - 70 II