The New York herald., 1921-03-09

London, March >.
Allied occupation of new German
territory is now an accomplished fact
A special telegram from Gen. De-
goutte. in command of the French
troops on the Rhine. to Premier
BRAND this afternoon announced that
the military programme had been car
ried out according to schedule with
out aa incident thus ending the first
step in the new method of the Allies
Of making Germany pay.
Regarding the application of the
other sanctions, the allied chiefs will
hold a conference tomorrow at which
the French hope a joint programme
will be satisfactorily arranged.
The Allies will then concern them
selves chiefly with the question of the
customs barrier they purpose to erect
along the occupied region, but Premier
BRAND, like Premier Lloyd George, an
nounced tonight that he would imme-
diately ask the French Parliament
for law authorizing so per cent.
levy on German goods imported into
France.
While the Allies were united in apply
ing to-day's military sanctions. it is not
at all certain that the same unity can
be preserved in the application OF the
other sanctions. Regarding the multi
farious questions now raised In connec-
ton with these economic penalties there
appear to be great Emergencies of sem
timent, despite the united front dis
played yesterday before the Germans.
The Italians are opposed to continuing
the programme any further and are NUT
tering against the French. The Japan
ese are already demanding TO be abb
solved from enforcing the so per cent.
levy, giving their distance from the
scene of action as an excuse. As for the
Belgiaus and the Wrench. they are view
ing the 80 per cent. plan more or less
4 suspiciously as being British product
which Is inspired more by q British de-
sire to prevent the dumping Of German
\ products in England than TO assist in
the reparation collection.
Signs were not wanting to-day that
this plan and even the customs barrier
might involve the Allies In much squab-
pling. intensifying their respective trade
rivalries and tho interests Of America
and the neutral nations.
fore the House OF Commons last evening
that Britain would make the levy even
on German goods coming through Amer
lea and the neutral nations was the sub
iect OF great discussion to-day. the
French doubling the possibility of it's
execution. To forestall difficulties Of
this kind the italians would seek to re-
open negotiations with the Germans at
Brussels, but the British. while In much
u same temper. insist the first move
T.. this direction must come from the
Germans.
But even if there is no immediate
chance OF this the British arc opposed
to acting Immediately on the other sane
tions. according to the best Information
obtainable tonight. at least until Mr.
Lloyd George makes a speech in the
House of Commons in connection with
the bill and has further opportunity Of
gauging the sentiment Of the country.
Premier Lloyd George Is for a levy
plan az permanent method for the pay
ment OF reparatlons by Germany. and a
bill Is being drawn up with that design
In view. The Allies are entirely at
sea regarding the future attitude of the
Germans. no hint having been thrown
out to-day before the departure OF the
delegates as to what the next course
will be.
The entire German delegation left
London this afternoon for Berlin and
following their departure II was an
nounced that the German Ambassador.
DR.. Won Stahmer. and the Ambassador
in Paris and Brussels also had been sum-
mored to Berlin. Few expected any
move from the Germans until after the
Silesian plebiscite and the probable re-
formation OF the German Cabinet
-
pears 10 be almost unanimous the British
sentiment is divided. all the Asauithian
press to-day opening with perfect
hroadslde on the Premier Typical OF
this was the Westminster Gazette, which
, sees In yesterdays denouement the
bankruptcy or allied statemaushlp and
calls IL a disaster for the Allies as well
as for Germany" The paper SAYS the
three sanctions announced for immediate
action BY the Allies has flung US back
into tho deep waters N European poll
tics, wherein ultimately, II not now.
sharp differences arc bound Ia arise.
"The British people believe that the
attempt 10 dismember and destroy
homogeneous nation Of $1,000, 900 people
will end in 3 disaster which will fan most
heavily upon France, and the sober men
among them are reluctant to see them
selves committed TO beginning such
policy which can't go far without Great
ing q deep cleavage In the allied ranks"
The Gusctte, like other papers. wants
70 know where the Allies arc coming out,
as the seizure Of the customs houses
won't bring them money, while tho so
Ipor cent scheme is likely 70 divert trade
TO Amerlca,'a part of which IL also likely
70 be paid by the British consumer.
"Once moro we arc committed 10 a
military enterprise OF incalculable con-
sequences,' says the SGr, and this time
not IN Observance az the solemn treaty,
not even IN defence Of mcnaced ally,
but 70 collect a debt. N n vast debt.
but Il might be argued that we've put tho
baiiiffs IN before tho rent Is due. Are
we satisfied that the venture Is worth
The blood ot . single British soldier?"
Against this must be balanced The
Northclifte press which has been for
vigorous action for many weeks and
heartily approves yesterdays decision.
What looms up before the Allies In
tho situation now created IA tho attitude
Of America IN French circles great
emphasis was laid significantly to-day on
the mission az NJ Niviani, which has
oecn designed To hnd out whore tho United
states stands and 70 get her cooperation
ln The solution Of some or the European
questions as being primarily economic
and therefore affecting the United States.