Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1921-03-07
T0. DOUBLE: OLD
OFFER TO ALLIES
Germans Will Promise to
Pay Two Thirds of
Sum
PROPOSAL SUBMITTED.
British Take, Optimistic View. While
French Fear Rupturc-Has New
Tax Plan.

London, March 7.--When the Su-
preme Council meets the German
delegates tomorrow Lloyd George
and BRAND won't be surprised by
Simons' reply to the ultimatum re-
ceived Wednesday, for they have
been holding private, conferences
with the German Foreign Minister
over the week end Instead of offer
ing third Of that asked for under
the Paris agreement, the Germans
are now willing to promise two-thirds
which they will cndeavor to present
as representing the approximate
equivalent.
Whether the rev offer will be con-
lsiderei reasonable enough to serve as
"a basis for compromise is question
Etill undecided. 1t is decidedly un-
satisfactory to the French. bat Lloyd
George may succeed in his role of
mediator
Although Berlin dispatches state
the government is still obdurate
and unafraid Of the sanctions, there
is reSson to believe that Simons has
Instructions to yield much more than
ae could at the previous conference.
Hhe French fear the weeks confer
erce skill end abruptly with 2 rupture,
but the British take more optimis-
Stic ASew.
Probably the one feature >efi the.
|Simons' reply which viii be the most
unsatisfactory to the British will be
; his disclaimer of Gelmany's entire
responsibility for the war--a state
ment he mast make unless he de-
sires to bring down his government.
Perhaps he will endeavor to mini
nize its bad effects by dragging in
Russia, which has few friends now.
Sinens has been emphasizing in pri-.
lvateS eeheS weakness of the Berlin
Government and the danger of it's
collapse if it su,Tentlers complete
-.
The military, economic and finan-
tial experts have been busy and their
Conferences have reached the stage
rhe1r nuch more is done in private
conventions than in the council
chamber.
Those close to the British Govern
nent net as if the crisis were over,
ehich means that Simons' second Of
fer will be much more liberal than
lis first. Americas attitude as re-
Aected in President Harding's 'inau-
y7,ral address may have some bear
ng on changes in the situation. Al
hough America desires to keep out
pf European politics, it is recognized
that she Will have considerable TO
say about the economic develop
rnents on this side and particularly
bout trade with Germany.
At the moment the Allies seem less
keen ON debating Germany's future
or the next 42 years than they did
month back. 1t is realized now
hat ether natiors, including Ameri
ca, would be indirectly affected and
hat they might prove difficult to
andle 10 or Is years hence. Taking
kTaatage of this feeling. Simons is
expected to suggest that the repara-
ons period be reduced materially
md ae will probably meet little op-
osition for two reasons.
First, the Frerc!, already have in
ma:ed they would be satisfied with
80 year period, and, secondly, ST.
ons' suggestion would mean nom-
al increase Of tie capital SIM Ger.
any would pay. He will also sug-
st reduction = the amount Of the
st few annnities. Another feature
the second proposals will be an
er 10 construct large number Of
ncrete houses in standarized parts
he devastated areas Of France
is would obviste the employment
large forces Of German labor OF
ench soils, so al the houses could
built in Germany and, shipped tc
devastated areas, where conf
Fatively few worlunen could p.d
IN together.
a third suggestion will be q sub,
.ute for the exports tax schem:
decided upon in the Paris agree
ht. Simons VIII suggest that tht
Ds levied n the difference be
en- tho value Of Gern,an export!