New-York tribune., 1922-12-29

commercial chaos from which not only
Germany. but the whole world mus'
suffer. ..,..
A 10 what and how Germany can pay
In restitution would seem 70 oe tuseep,
fible Of solution by independent ana
impartial business judgments
"a That Germany greatly desires
sueh an expression Of business Juuk,
ment on her capacity 70 pay as shaii
al least clarity her position.
Impartial Judgment Sought
% The German Industrie-und Han
deistar. therefore. az the leading COM
ncreisi body Of Germany, addresses
thensselves 70 the leading commercial
bodv Of the United States tthe Cham
ber ~ Commerce Of the United Statesl
and inouire whether that chamber N
rimnie Justice 10 Germany. and TOT
,vbatever basis Y may later provide as
a nossible settlement Of this question.
Which lies AZ the root OF all financial
,rd commercial disorder In Europe
viii appolnt n commission OF out
standing character, ability and impair
tfaiitv. 10 express thus an American
cpinion on this question.
aS A the German Industrie-und
HandelstaR desire only completely
fair rxpression, they agree In advance
a. the propriety Of the principle, 70
be accented and exercised by Germany
IN Good faith. that the amount ard
methods suggested shall be reeogni-
zion that Germany shall make restitu-
tion "a the utmost Of It's ability with
ont involving the destruction OF its
earning and producing power, ana
holding forth some reasonable e1
pectst.on Of an ultimate settlement OF
The obligation.
20 The German Industrie-und Han
delstar maintain that the currency IN
liability has been the necessary re-
sult Of reparations and other demands
hevond its capacity 10 meet, and ex-
tend assurance that II this expression
iesds 20 a settlement Of the repara-
lions and other burdens within the
definition Of the principle laid down
Germany intends immediately there-
after 10 take steps 70 stabilize its cur
rencv in the interest Of financial oroe,
AZ home and the encouragement OF
foreign commerce.
a7 The German Industrie-und Han
delstag know that the German gov
srnment would be pleased 20 welcome
sueh A commission and would be reaoy
"a omen 20 such a commission al
sources Of information they might re,
o,,ire. and the German lndustrie-unai
Handelstng express the hope that II
iris a done the other interested couh-
tries would also place their informA-
.ion and views before such aecommis-
sion" .-,,.
Text Of u. S. Reply
,sThe Chamber OF Commerce Of the
limited states is impressed win tne
solemn responsibility which a eomph-
snee with the request IN youf com
runieation would lay upon Hineriessh
busineFs leadership. We realize nc
cTeat forces FOR good which would foi,
foU a definite and practical solution OF
The rsnarations question, which to-day
destrovs .he atmosphere OF peace IN
which alone Europe can rebuild us
broken processes, and with these
thoughts in mind we are giving your
request our serious consideration.
1--WE welcome the reafirmation OF the
recognition By Germany as expressed
bv YOU Of the obligations to make res
titgtion 70 the utmost. Based on this
principle, the determination OF the
amount Of repsrations and the methods
of payment 20 make effective at the
earliest possible moment the restitu-
tion 10 which the Allied countries are
Justly entitled. and not 10 Tighten the
rightful obligation Of Germany, should
be susceptible Of determination by
honest judgment eonseerated 70 the
interest Of world peace and free from
any political or other bias.
"Manifestly such a determination ar.
rived az by mutual agreement and
made effective by efforts In good faith
Is preferable TO an expression By any
outside body. no matter how distinter-
ested and impartial Therefore, mas
much as there is a scheduled official
conference appointed for January 2
next for the consideration Of this ques-
tion, we venture to suspend our de-
cision Of your request for an Ameri-
can commission in the hope that by
common accord a definite settlement
will be arranged at that meeting