New-York tribune., 1921-02-02
s;mons Tells Reicllstag 9
CovernmentW illRefuse
to Negotiate on Basis
of Entente Decisions
Counter Proposals
To Be Formulated
Twelve Per Cent Export
Duty Is Called Scheme
to Enslave the People

BFRLIN, Feb. l (By The Associated
press).-Dr. Walter Simous, the For
eirn Minister, declared in the Reichs-
tao today that the government would
refuse to negotiate on the basis of the
Entente decisions regarding repara-
tons and would formulate counter
propositions. His position was sup
ported by all the party leaders except
TIE Communists, who heckled and
ieered him when he concluded speak
ing.
The Foreign Minister expressed sur
prise at the abrupt abandonment of the
seydoux scheme of the Brussels fnan-
cial conference, which was approved,
lie said, by both France and Great
Britain.
On the question of reparations DR..
Simons said:
In sill, we shall have to pay in
forty-two years total of 226,000, ,000,-
900 gold marks, or over 5 600, ,000, 100000
paper. The Allies second demand is
that for forty-two years Germany pay
10 per cent ad valorem on German ex-
ports.' Here there were muemurs
throughout the House.
obviously it has been estimated
that in this way one or two billions
can be obtained from Germany"
Laughter.)
Whole Settlement Obscure
That could not have been done in
tie most fourishing of pre-war times.
The whole settlement is obscure. What
about the securities we already have
handed the Allies? Apart from these
obscurities the new program un-
doubtedly contains a contradiction of
the peace treaty.
at is impossible for
nOmic life to continue II an u4.~- 44g
state Of uncertainty. We can only as
sumo that the sum now placed before
us is more or less arbitrary. The fixed
sum of z25, ,0o0, 900 600 gold marks if
calculated in paper is more than the
whole fortune of the German people.
at would be against common sense
- burden the German people with such
financial obligations at moment when
ponents in what a bad condition our
finances are. But then comes the de-
mand for 100000 100000 of marks in
installments of forty-two years and the
complete economic enslavement of the
German people, and particularly of the
workers.
Export Tax Injurious
The IL per cent ad valorem tax
IS uaconscionably heavy and injurious
both at home and abroad. With &
rise in the exchange rate OF the marx
these conditions must result in the
throttGng OF the German export indus
.ry." Here there were cries of "Very
true"
Regarding penalties-they have not
be threatened with punishment if we
do not accept a proposal. Otherwise
i is no longer a proposal, but an or
der. | therefore could assume that the
penalties will apply only TO disarma- a.
Iaent.
"The Entente will permit me TO say
taat | regard their threat to refuse our
entry into the League of Nations as
premature, as we have not yet asked
for admission" (Shouts of Hear
hear.')
"On the contrary, as far as the
laague is concerned. the inducement to
eqter it is not at present so great as
10 counteract the terrors of non
entry.
Invitation Net Received
I'VE have been informed that Ger
man plenipotentiaries would be invited
TO meet Allied delegates in London at
the end Of February. would point out
that the invitation has not yet been
received. but that the German govern
ment must now say, and | have the
authority to say it, that the arrange
'9ent as set forth in the Entente's sec
end note is not regarded by US as q
tions.
ut will naturally be our duty to do
our utmost, despite formidable diff
caities, to draw up clear counter pro-
tCoatlnued on page threel