The New York herald., 1922-04-22
TEXT OF GERMAN
REPLY TO POWERS
Continued from First Page.


over this question had already sew
eral weeks ago progressed so far
that a conclusion was possible.
1T was especially of Importance
to Germany to come to an under
standing with Russia because she
gave an opportunity of establish
ing peace with one of the great
belligerent Powers under conditions
excluding lasting debtorship and
rendering possible, on a fresh basis
unencumbered by the past, a re-
newal of friendly relations. Germay
came to Coca with a hearty desire
to cooperate with all the nations in
restoring the suffering European
continen. and trusting in a mutual
understanding Of the difficulties of
all parts of that continent.
1.-THE propositions of the London
conference left Germany's interest
out OF regard. To sign them would
have meant to call forth heavy repa-
ration claims for Russia against
Germany. A number of clauses
would have led to burdening conse-
uuences of Czaristic wartime legisla-
ton on Germany alone. Repeatedly
and in extensive discussions with
members of the delegations or the
inviting Powers the German dele
cation has called attention to these
serious misgivings. But it was with
out success. On the contrary. the
German delegation became aware
that the inviting Powers had en-
tered into separate negotiations with
Russia.
Information which came to hand
about these negotiations led to the
conclusion that an agreement wouid
be arrived at shortly, but that II
was not contemplated to take the
Just claims of Germany into regard.
Upon this the German delegation
were left with no doubt that they
We're forced to pursue their own IN
terests alone. as otherwise they
would have come into a position of
being confronted In the commission
by a draft which was unacceptable
to them, but which was already
agreed upon by majority OF the
delegates on the commission. For
this reason the treaty with Russia
was signed Sunday evening In ex-
actly the same terms as II was
drafted weeks ago, and was imme-
diately published.
This course of action most clearly
shows that the German delegation
did not proceed to negotiations with
Russia from lack of solidarity, but
from compelling reasons. 1t just as
clearly shows that the German dele
cation have strived to keep clear of
all secrecy in their procedure. 1t
would be quite in accordance with
the wishes of the German delega-
tion II the conference should sue
ceed in arriving at a general scttle-
ment OF the Russian question. and
if the German Russian treaty were
embodied in this general arrange
ment. This should very we'll be pos
sible. as the treaty no wise affects
the relations of other States to Rus
sia.
Furthermore. it is in all its pro-
visions guided by an idea the reali-
zation OF which is justly proclaimed
as the chief aim of the conference,
namely. by a spirit which looks on
the past as definitely closed and
seeks to lay the foundation for mu-
tual peaceful restoration.
with regard TO further treat
ment OF the Russian question in the
conference, the German delegation
also think 1t right that they should
take part in the deliberations of the
first commission on questions cor
responding to those already settled
between Germany and Russia only
In case their collaboration be espe-
cially asked for.
ION the other hand. the German
delegation remain interested in all
questions referred to the first COM
mission which do not relate to the
points settled in the Russian-Ger-
man treaty.
THE German delegation welcome
with satisfaction the development
which the discussion of the commits
sion has taken. They are as one
with the spirit OF solidarity and
good faith that has animated this
work. Far from thinking Of turn
ing away from the common work In
Europe, they are prepared TO par
ticipate IN the tasks allotted by the
confcrenceat Genoa with a view to
recodciling inc nations and adjust
ing the welfare of the East and
the West