CAN GERMANY PAY.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1918, Page 3

CAN GERMANY PAY.

THE POSITION INVESTIGATED. ) laUSTRALIAN & N-Z. CAHI.EABSOCIA riON] LONDON, Dec. 4. Mr Harold Cox has made an exhaustive analysis of Germany’s ability to pav the Allied war costs. Those total £25,000,000,000. This total including Britain’s costs, £7,300,000,000; France’s, £5,360,000,000 ; United States, £3.600,000,000; and Russia’s, £4,300,000,000. The value of the Allies’ territorial oniiexations including the German colonies must first be deducted, as also must tile value of Alsace-Lorraine. France would also demand tlic Saar coal basin, lost last century. The Germans, Mr Cox states, must, hand over £150,000,000 in gold; their merchant ships; and also their investments abroad, which are valued at about £500,000,000. When all her assets are taken Germany may owe the Allies £10,000,000,000. On this the Interest annually would be £500,000,000,000. Some of this may be paid by a royalty upon the coal fields of Westphalia, and the potash mines in Saxony. The rest would be an , annual tribute, for which the taxpayets ’ would be responsible. Thus, says Mr Cox, the Germans would bo compelled to work and to remain poor, while the Allies will bo iolieved of the burden of their wardebts, and would thereby enjoy a high standard of comfort, and fewer, hours of labour. Mr Cox concluded: “What better punishment can be devised r ”