New-York tribune., 1921-03-27
New Reparations Plan Is
Designed TO Bring Pres.
sure on TeutOn Indus
try by Control of Fuel
Second Plebiscite
In ) Years Hinted
Diplomats Fear Partition
of District Now Might
Incite Fresh Warfare
By Ralph Courtney
Special Cable to The Trsbune
,~~;cxh+ zoos No~ N>~i, T.~sh, u.

Copyright, 1921. New York Tribune me.
PARIS, March 26.--A plan for
the payment of the German war bill
by diversion Of all German coal reve-
nues into the Allied Golfers and
maintenance Of international control
of Upper Silesia for an indefinite
period is being discussed in influen-
tial French circles.
The proposal, which is said to have
the approval of Great Britain and
the other Allied powers, except Po-
land, has for it's keynote the disre-
garding, at least temporarily, of the
results of the plebiscite in Upper
Silesia. 1t is suggested that for the
time being the Allies refrain from
dividing Silesia, as they have full
right to do under the terms Of the
plebiscite as set forth in the Treaty
Of Versailles.
Strictly speaking, the Allies have
good grounds on the basis OF the
plebiscite results for giving to Po-
land that part of Upper Silesi&
which contains the iron and coal
mines and for allotting to Germany
only valueless strip Of territory in
the northwest.
Berlin and London Agreed
The Germans, who got a majority in
the popular vote, are pleading that tie
! territory should not be divided, and it
is understood that Great Britain is not
anxious to see such an extremely val
liable territory as this, with its mines,
handed entirely to Poland. The Ger
mans argue that without Silesia they
cannot hope 20 pay the war bill due the
Allies
Another objection to dividing the
province is that by this actions new
civil strife is likely to be let loose be-
tween Germans and Poles. making 81
lesia possibly the theater Of new war
In these circumstances France is con
sidering conciliatory proposals that the
the status quo be kept for the presan1
II Upper Silesia, on the understanding
t It the whole Of Germany's coat SIP
ply shall be turned over to the Allies
as pledge FOR the payment Of her rep
arations account.
Upper Silesia, under this plan, would
continue under the local adnintstsn-
tion Of the Allied powers and All cSal
from the Silesian mines as well as that
mined in the Ruhr Valley would be
placed under the control of the En-
tente.
The Allies, it is proposed, will fix
prices on the coal and receive, psy-
ments therefor, which shall be appliod
TO the reparations account. ,s.e7
Second Plebiscite Suggested:
On basis OF these conditions it is
suggested that the Allies might offer
Germany another plebiscite in Upper
Silesia at the end Of. five years. as il {:
argued that by that time it would be
easier to decide the ultimate tiestina
ton of the disputed PROVINCE.
The special advantage Of this scheme
IS that Great Britain would not be
forced to retreat from her stand
against handing all the Siiesian mines
TO the Poles. At the same time Alice
control of the coal supply would pre-
vent Germany from preparing for. war
and would assist her in the discharge
Of her obligations. ;sss1 sasss
The French realize that the German
government is working under rraat
difficulties in trying to meet the Allied
demands or reparations. However
much Dr.. Walter Simons. Germgn For
'eign Minister, would like to pay iarue
sums to the Allies, he would be power
Iess to compel those persons in Ger
many who possess all the money to
place it at the disposal of the govern
ment.
the Ailles were TO control ali Of
Geermany's coal supply it would be pos
sapie to bring pressure to bear. on the
great industrial profteers in Germany.
Want Germans to Thrive
The Allies haze no intention under
the plan being considered. Of keenSSe
German industries short Of cost. IN
the contrary, they are interested to see
enat German industry thrives. pro.
Vlded, OF course, that a satisf actsyv
percentage OF profits goes toward pay-
ing the German war bill.
with the control OF ali coal in their
hands, the Allies would be able to a.,
TO Hugo SHINES and the other indus.
trial magnates:
on!ess you and your industries are
prepared to help the German rovarn-
4.eue az itS eHorts TO pay the reparA-
IONS piil you will get no coal"
"he1ner the present scheme actually
comes to the point Of open discusgiof,
between Germany and the Af1ioss nv
pends upon many considerations. one
OF the chief Of which is whcthez Ro-
land can be brought to accept the sitn-
alton III this light and to regard the
problem as one affecting aIl the Ailias.