Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 306, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 December 1920 — FIX GERMAN PAYMENT [ARTICLE]

FIX GERMAN PAYMENT

Repayment by Teutons Put at 25 Billions. Experts Figure Amount That Can Be Collected From Former Enemy. Brussels, Dec. 23.—Payment by Germany of 100,000,000,000 marks in gold (approximately $25,000,000,000) remains the basis upon which experts and delegates to the second financial conference, in session here, are working. This amount, although far below what was authorized by the treaty of Versailles, is considered by them collectable only on condition that Germany is helped along the line suggested by the German delegates. Allied experts, In secret individual reports, the substance of which has come to light, recognize Germany’s real necessities, and delegates generally are impressed by arguments that Germany is an insolvent creditor who must be maintained as a going concern. > The extent to which strict fulfillment of the Versailles treaty may be waived, however, depends upon the allied governments, before which recommendations have been made by the various delegations. Virtually none of the delegates believes the treaty can be executed literally and allied experts agree with the Germans that reparations must be paid chiefly in kind. Some cash, however, will be demanded after a year or two, if not immediately. Today’s meeting was really in preparation for the recess which will not be taken until January 10. Allied delegates planned to meet apart in the afternoon for the purpose of exchanging views and reaching a common accord which will be reflected in reports to their governments. German delegates are still working on the list of questions submitted by the allies, which covers a wide range.