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Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1923, Page 2

Economists of WKh standing and eminent repute have again and again emphasised the point that until the reparation ptoldem was solved Europe would remain in a chaotic condition to the detriment, of the trade and com. im-rce of the world. An industrious Germany is the key to an industrious Europe. The world needs Europe, a peaceful Europe, an industrious Europe, a contented Europe, a producing Europe and a consuming Europe, but- the politicians, and, French and Belgian in ya-rtivnijar feara iteno Vtif'-f

test to prevent Europe .settling down to work. The penalty for the crime iiillicted on the world by the German nation will not fall upon the guilty parties. The sins cf the fathers must be visited on the children, and it is the half-starved ill-nourished children of Germany who must pay the reparations. To endeavour to compel them to pay £(1.000.000,IXH) is to attempt to enslave the nation for a century or more which is not only an impossible but an unrighteous task. It must not lie overlooked that Germany of to-day is not the Germany i f 1913. Her tenitoiy lias been greatly reduced, her Wealth has been dissipated and her industrial rapacity has been considerably curtailed by the ravages of war. and the emaciation and ; liysital debility of the younger generation. Furthermore mo-t coiintiic* have placed a cheek on German trade, with tariffs and dumping clauses, which adds to her troubles. Germany cannot pay her debts in gold, but in good; and services, and all the Allied coillttiies aie doing their utmost to prevent Germany paying in this manner.

The Committee of Inquiry, which is now to be set up and in which America is to participate will most undoubtedly out down the amount to be paid in reparations very drastically. T.conc.mists who have given some close study to the problem have expressed the opinion that £2.200,000,000, or onethird the original amount tixed by the Depuration Commission is about the limit that Germany can be forced to pay, and that would take her •>0 or moie years to pay. I lie entry of the l nited States into this matter gives promise of an rally and satisfactory settle lit of the problem. America is a disinterested party and her opinions would be accepted somewhat like the verdict of an impartial judge. 'I here is now some hope for Europe.