Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-04-25
PREPARATIONS AND THE GERMAN HIDE

Determined effort is being made by Germany
TO draw the United States into the reparatons
dispute.
If one did not bear in mind the cynical back
ground of Prussian craftsmanship one might be
led to believe that Bern's overtures were prompt
ed by a faith in Americas of justice.
Germans past performances however, preclude
this view She does not want justce she wishes
to "beg off" by flatterng America into proposing
easier terms than those imposed by the allies
~ Secretary Hughes in his note to Germany last
Thursday made it clear that the United States
purposes to do such thing. He did intimate
= however this country would consider" the pre-
p. sentaton of any proposals made by the German
3. government Tin a manner acceptable TO the
allies
This binds America to nothing 1t merely
leaves the door open to the exercise of any SOW
ereign powers prerogative of offering its good Of
fees in dispute involving two or more other
nations
1t would be an act of thoughtfulness and
courtesy. however, if the United States were to
wait for the allies to invite it to mediate this
tangled Preparations question.
The American position up to this time seems to
us entirely within the prophecies of international
etiquette
But now comes the Temps" of the lead
ing newspapers of France, with the statement
that German propositions transmitted by the
United States would be, no matter what it said
ssa: or done, propositions guaranteed by the United
States"
1t is difficult to see the abstract logic or the
"a international law in this theroy. BY what stretch
OF reasoning proposition submitted to the
allies Sin matter acceptable to them"-these are
Mr.. Hughes's .words-bnd the United States which
in such would be acting merely as an inter-
mediary between two parties that seem unable
TO agree.
I We cannot believe that the United States gov
eminent will subscribe to- this view If it proves
to be well founded in international law-which
q do not believe is the case-then by all means
the United States should abstain from an inter
,, meddling in situation in which she can so easily
be placed in false light.
In dealing with the Germans we should always
remember that they have not forgotten the Bis
MARKHAM doctrine of Divide and conquer" Moth
7a. ing would please Berlin better than to
split in the ranks of the allied and associated
powers reparaons-or anything else
The world is wondering how this reparation:
sa business will end. Those of who believed tina
the arnistice premature find position
confirmed by recent events. w..
But this is no time for retrospecton, The vita
question is, What of the future?
That Germany will be allowed to escape with
h. making full restitution for her past misdeeds
unthinkable To put it plainly the civilized worlt
would not tolerate such mockery of justice.
How, then, is the enormous debt to be col
lected?
Germany evasive and dilatory tactics lead ont
to the belief that the German indemnity will hav
Rsto be collected by taking over Germany. Indeed
~ the occupation of the Rhine cities recently
step in this direction. 1t is likely that furthe
steps will have to be taken. In other words, tn
armies of occupation may eastwar
again.
An Albuquerquean who is close student o
national and international affairs, recently mad
tentative suggestion to that Germany Nigh
split itself up into several small repubics--suc
as the republic of Saxony, Bavaria, and II
- based his belief in such Acknowledgement
possibility. analogy with Austria.
~ = Germany and Austria, however cannot
compared in this respect. Germany Is a homoger
eous nation, despite the fact that Prussia has fo
fifty years dominated the federation. This domir
alton does not interfere with the fact that Saxo
s.s sor Bavarian is still German ready to fight fc
ssc sthe fatherand
SO On the other hand, Austria was polyglot M
ton of many races5and acknowledgements of thel
covertly overly hostile to the house of Hap
!. burg. Although Austrans of non-Germanic d.
e. scent fought in the Austrian army against II
allies, they usually deserted at the first opportur
ity and so little reliance did the Hapsburg leade
place in them that they frequently put such MOI
GERMANS IN the front ranks. where they could