The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1921-04-05


ocal expression on the part OF the
German Government of its desire TO
afford reparation up 10 the limi of
German ability to pay This Govern
ment stands with the governments Of
the Allies in holding Germany respon-
.a4sible for the war and therefore, NOR
ally bound to make reparation, SO far
as may be possible
1.-THE recognition of this obligation,
implied in the memorandum of Dr.
Simons, seems to the Government OF
the United States the only sound ba-
sis on which can be built firm and
just peace under which the various
nations of Europe can achieve once
more economic independence and sta
bility.
"This Government believes that it
recognizes in the memorandum of DR..
Simons a sincere desire on the part
OF the German Government to reopen
negotiations with the Allies on new
basis and hopes that such negotia-
lions, once resumed, may lead to a
prompt settlement which will at the
same time satisfy the just claims of
the Allies and permit Germany hope
fully to renew its productive activi-
ties"
Parapbrase of Memorandum.
Following is a paraphrase prepared
by the State Department Of the mem
drandum given by DR.. Simons to Mr..
presel, American Commissioner in
Berlin:
e ut is the earnest desire Of the
Government of Germany to reach an
accord with the governments or the
allied and associated Powers, and it
Is sincere in its purpose to meet their
Requirements as far as possible. That
an agreement was not reached at the
eonference of London on the question
pr PREPARATIONS is matter of extreme
fegret to the Government of Germany.
In their efforts to reach an agree
thent, the delegates from Germany
went far beyond the limit considered
possible for Germany in the Judgment
of an overwhelming majority of her
economic experts.
ut has been asserted that Ger
many is reluctant TO recognize her
obligation to make Preparations. This
L. not correct.
1T is entirely clear not only to the
Government of Germany but to the
German. people also that Germany
must make reparation to the limit of
her ability to pay. This realization
ON the part of Germany will not be
altered in any way by any changes
which may take place in the internal
politics of the country. Every respon-
OF Germany are imbued with the de-
termination to do all that lies in their
power to help in reconstructing the
regions which have been devastated.
Fundamental to this determination is
the sober conviction on the part of re-
SDpDslDlt tlItleS III. Nrtillldlly THAT iii
early removal of all traces OF the dew
astation caused in France is to be
the best interests of Germany. 1t is
the consensus of opinion also that the
proposals made by Germany in regard
to reparation must consider fully bhe
financial necessities OF the aliied and
associated governments and particu-
larry of France.
'In view of the foregoing, two con-
siderations in regard reparations pre-
sent themself. both of which are of
Importance. These considerations are,
first, the matter of the rehabilitation
OF the devastated regions, and, second,
the immediate establishment by Ger
many OF an actual sum Of cash money,
in foreign exchange, of important pro-
portions.
an addressing ourselves to the first
particular, namely, the rehabilitation
of the devastated regions. certain facts
are at once apparent. For four years
ten of the eighty-six departments Of
France served as tho theatre of the
War ana sustained Iic NtNtltNi bipNS
Of the conflict. In these ten depart
rncnts a number Of cities. towns and
villages were either partly or entirely
destroyed. and wide stretches Of fer
tile farming lands were laid waste.
Only little has been accomplished
toward the rebuilding Of homes. the
reoccupation and the recultivation OF
the land in the two years that have
elapsed since the ending Of Nhe war.
For the immediate rehabilitation OF
these devasted regions Germany has
repeatedly preferred labor. technical
advice and material assistance. These
offers have not been accepted. nor
have they even reached tho point Of
diplomatic exchange. The reason is
not far TO seek.
Motive u Assigned.