The New York herald., 1922-08-08

conversion of the property of German
nationals held by this country tc
recompense Americans for losses sus-
tanned by them under war conditions
Objection to such plan by this Gov
ernment. however. has already been
communicated to the German Foreign
Office as being prejudicial to the
American viewpoint
The claims treaty will undoubtedly
emphasize the determination of the
American Government to hold sedu-
lously to it's position throughout the
war that it did not seek to emulate
the example Of some European Gov
ernments on the point of ethics in
volved.
In a resolution adopted by Congress
on July 2. 1921, it was expressly stipu-
lated that no disposition should be
made OF the seized German property
until such time as Germany, Austria
and Hungary shall have respectively
made suitable provision for the salts
faction of all claims against said Gov
ernments of American citizens who
have been damaged by the action of
these Governments as stated and until
compliance with the other provisions
OF the resolution"
Property In Pledge.
Consequently the German property
now held by the Alien Property Custo-
dian Or their proceeds if liquidated
We're to be held virtually in pledge
until Germany Austria and Hungary
made suitable provision
for the satisfaction of American
claims. In the negotiations between
this country and Germany regarding
American claims a reasonable plan
compatible with the financial re-
sources of Germany will be agreed on
for direct settlement and in such a
manner as to leave the seized German
property unimpaired and free from
the stigma of confiscation.
Germany will be required to furnish
for tho liquidation of
claims that can be convent
emily converted into cash by the bene-
ficiaries whose demands are adjudged
valid and reasonable. Executive Off
Gals and members of Congress whose
aid has been solicited by American
nationals holding claims against Ger
many agree that some Of them are
not only extravagant but wholly un-
reasonable and out Of all proportion to
the amount and character of damage
sustained.
1t will be- the duty of the commits
sion, which the new treaty between
the United States and Germany will
soon negotiate and which. Of course,
will be submitted to the Senate for
ratification, to pass on and fix the
exact value of such damages.
The American Government has COM
piled a fairly complete list of Ameri-
,an nationals who claim to have been !
damaged by the military and naval
policies of Germany during the war
They will not venture any prediction
as 20 the merits of the majority of
them. Some OF the claims appear to
have been framed on the theory that
t is good business to claim two or
.hree times as much money as the
circumstances warrant
The claims will be turned over to the |
oint American-Germa commission
or investigation and determination as
% amounts Of money awards. Inas-
much as Germany has already as |
'ented to the principle involving re-
1t is the belief or Ameri- |
,an officials that the chief problem |
confronting the commission will be to |
determine the amount to be awarded I
n each individual case.
While asserting its right to hold |
Germany responsible Tor the damage
Inflicted on American nationals. this
Government desires to avoid imposing
Undue hardships on the strained finan-
'ial resources of Germany which |
night provoke further economic de-
in that country. Ger
many will be held accountable for the
the present Berlin Gov
has admitted and will be
to pay reasonable damages
Inflicted upon nationals Of this couii-
ry.
1t is the opinion of both executive |
officials and members of the Foreign |
Relations Committee OF the Senate. |
however, that there will be no gouging |
through the allowance of obviously ex