Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-11-14
Commission Holds
Up Action on Name
ReparatiOns Comm.

Paris. Nov. 13.--(By A. P.)--Action
on Premier Poincare's suggestion that
the reparation commission appoint an
expert committee to conduct an inquiry
into the reparation question was de-
ferred by the commission today until
German delegates shall have been
heard regarding the Reichs capacity
to pay.
The suggestion. made through Louis
Barthou, was that>the expert commit
tee be charged with estimation of the
present" capacity of Germany. and
Sir John Bradbury, the British repre-
sentative, is understood to have de-
clared that it would provide for an
even closer restriction OF the inquiry
than that proposed by the French in
the case of the Hughes plan.
The French idea was that, after es-
timating the present resources Of
Germany at home and abroad, the COM
mittee should fix the amounts Germany
could pay during the. ensuing three
years. NJ. Barthou dwelt especially on
the necessity of ascertaining the total
German assets in foreign countries.
Any new scheme for the payment of
PREPARATIONS based on the committees
report, he said, should take into ac-
count the old schedule fixed at the Lon
uOn conference OF May. 1S2l.
Colonel James A. Logan. the Ameri-
can observer, was present at the meet
ing but made no remarks regarding
either NJ Barthou's suggestion or the
question Of hearing the Germans.
The German request for hearing
was granted without opposition and
without restriction, the date being left
open in order to allow them 10 make
arrangements for their representation.
but 1t is thought the first hearing will
take place in about 10 days.
Sir John Bradbury. following NJ
Barthou's representation of the French
suggestion, declared he thought that
under the present circumstances the
article Of the treaty by virtue of
which the Germans asked for a hear
ing had been rendered practically use
less by the action of some of the pow
ers. evidently referring TO the Franco
Belgian occupation of the Ruhr. How
ever. he said. abstention would be tam
tamount to voting against hearing the
Germans, hence he would vote for it.
AS to NJ. Barthous suggestion, he
regarded it as something like the pre-
scription, made by a certain philoso-
pher. of pills as a remedy for earth
quake.
He held that the commission should,
without rear or favor, execute Its mis-
sion. investigate all Of the causes that
have led to the present condition of
Germany and fearlessly apply or rec
J ommend whatever remedies it may
deem necessary after Investigation.
, The impression in reparation circles
after today's meeting was that the
commission was losing effectiveness.
and that the reparstions question could
and would be settled only by the gov
ernments.
French comment on NJ. Barthou's
proposition was unavailable, but it is
understood that NJ. Poincare's idea is
that. the Germans having been heard
an expert committee such as proposed
will be able to do all that can be done
at the present moment under the trea-
ty. which he maintains must remain
untouched under all circumstances.
When Germany's present situation is
brought out, then it will be for the
Germans themselves, he holds. to indi-
cate what further procedure is ,neces-
sary either by showing their will to
pay or by persevering in their resist
ance.