PEACE TREATY.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17112, 6 April 1921, Page 7

PEACE TREATY.

GERMANY AND REPARATION. THE ATTITUDE OF AMERICA. (By Cable—Press Association—Copyright.) (Australian and X.Z. Cable As»oo:*tion.) (Received ADril sth, 5 5 p.rn ) WASHINGTON, April 4.

Tho State -Department lia:, published the text of the informal Noio presents;! to the German Government. It declares that 4 „he American Government is pleased to note in Herr von Simons s memorandum an unequivocal expression of the German Government's desire to afford reparation to the limit of Germany's ability. The United States stands) with tho 'i\\-d Governments in holding that Germany was responsible for thu war, and that therefore she is morally bound to make reparations as far as possible Tho United States believes that recognition of this obligation is the only sound basis on which can be built a firm f» n d just peace under which the various nations of Europe can achieve economic independence and stability. The United States i ..'cognises in the Simons Memorandum Germany's sincere desire to reopen negotiations whion, once resumed, may lead to a prompt settlement which will satisfy the Allies' just claims. Herr yon Simons in his memorandum says it is the earnest desire of the German Government to 2 each accord with the Allied Governments and moot their requirements as far as possible. The assertions that Germany is reluctant to recognise her reparation obligations are incorrect. It is clear, not only to the German Government, but io tho German people, that Germany must make reparation to the limit of her ability. Herr von Simons points out that Germany has repeatedly offered labour and technical advice and material assistance for building up the. devastated regions, but her offers have not even reached the point of-diplomatic exchange. The German Government intends to submit fresh proposals to France regarding the rebuilding of the devastated areas. Germany is also willing to assume the obligations of interest on and the amortization of the Allies' foieign debts within the limits of her capacity, should such a moasure be acceptable to the Allies and their creditors.

(Received April sth, 9.55 p.m.) WASHINGTON, April 4. There is sOme misinterpretation of a single important 'sentence in Mr Hughes's memorandum to Germany reading: "The United States recognises Germany's sincere desire to reopen negotiations with the Allies on a new basis."

A' portion of the Press is inclined to think this means the re-writing of the Treaty of Versailles, but the State Department's meaning is a resumption of the reparation negotiations, which were summarily ended at London recently. Official circles are anxious that there shall be no wrong reading ■of Mr Hughes's meaning.