Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-05-10
When Berlin Comes to Terms

--ests concerned, Germaly's repeated at
tempts to draw Washington into i'm
pllcit If not open advocacy of her policy of
evading the Allied demands have come to
naught. Replying to Berlin's latest over
ture, Secretary Hughes gave this excellent
advice: This Government again expresses
it's earnest desire for prompt settlement of
this vital question, strongly urges the Ger
man Government at once to make directly to
the"Allied Governments clear, definite and
adequate proposals which would in all re-
spects meet it's just obligations That is
both the equity and the business of the mat
ter, ~and the sooner German leaders act &C
cordingly the better for their country and
for the world.
There is no disposition in America, nor
amongst the enlightened elements of En-
tente--lands to require of Germany more
than she can reasonably pay Indeed, it is
obvinns that she must be given a working
chance to prosper if she is to meet repara-
ton" claims, and history shows how i'll ad-
vised- are excessive penalties. But how can
those with whom she is aling be gener-
Gus unless Germany herself is frank? What
common ground for a happier understand
ing can there b. until Germany recognizes
just obligations and gives earnest Of mind
to meet them? Neither mere protests
against the Allied terms counterpart
posaIs that ignore the moral responsibilities
Of the war and its aftermath will suffice.
There must be, as Mr.. Hughes insists, "clear,
definite and adequate proposals." and they
must be made directly to the Allied Govern
ments, not to the United States mediator.
The i'll odor of Prussianized diplomacy is
still strong in the worlds memory. The
dexfeusness, the cynicism, the Machiavellan
thrust of the foreign policy which Berlin so
long pursued cannot be forgotten in few
brief-seasons by those who suffered direfully
at its hands. The German republic, unhap-
pitysenough, has not escaped the sinister
shadow of the German monarchy, nor will it
escape until it proves by deeds that it's feet
are turned away from the old paths and it's
heart fixed upon new purposes. How can
his be done? Assuredly not by attempts to
prolong vexatious issues which were suppos-
e. to@have been settled, in principle at least,
blythe Treaty of Versailles. Assuredly not
by seeking to circumvent demands for repara-
ton: which is undebatably due. AS long as
these are the tactics of Berlin, just so long
Wll.the Allies remain distrustful and stern,
Just~so long will the worlds recovery from
the-war be delayed, just so long will Ger
many herself be sorely disadvantaged.
inevitably is this the case. Some of the
requirements in the original indemnity pro-
gra of the Allies are excessive, if we may
take the judgment of emint MT British and
French economists. But Germany cannot
obtain moderation by assuming that She
owes nothing at all and giving an impression
that only drastic measures will bring her to
terms. Such an attitude serves but to
strengthe: the unliberal elements in Allied
counsels. The BRAND Cabinet, hitherto re-
strained by moderate opinion in France as
we'll by British influence, will have all the
argument it needs for taking drastic mill
tary measures if Berlin continues dilatory
and evasive Not only are the Allies kept
anxious and rough tempered, but the whole
worlds reimbursement and Progress are hamp-
cred by such tactics. The basic and practi-
car issues growing out of the war must be
settled before industry and commerce will be
free 20 go forward, and the healing processes
OF peace be fairly at work.
That the weight of thoughtful opinion in
Germany is now for prompt action that will
ad~decisivel: toward these good ends is ap-
parent from developments of the last few
days. Chancellor Fehrenbach and Foreign
Minister SimOns, chief opponents of the
troubfous waiting policy have resigned, ana
a new Cabinet, instructed for expeditions
dealing, is being formed. This, it is common
ly assumed, points to acceptance of the AL
lied ultimatum. With the atmosphere thus
cleared and with substantial evidences of
good. faith on their Governments part the
German people we'll may trust to the liberal
minds of the world for a policy that will
mingle moderation and wisdom with justice.
a