The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1801. FACING THE CRISIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 March 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1801. FACING THE CRISIS.

When delivering the ultimatum of the Allies to the German delegation last week, Mr Lloyd George clearly and forcefully stated the Allies’ views with regard to Germany’s attitude over the Treaty of Versailles. He spoke in plain terms that clearly indicated the patience of the Allies was exhausted, and he pointedly charged the German Government, not merely with allowing clandestine military organisations to spring up all over Germany, equipped with arms which ought to have been surrendered, hence the Allies were convinced the German Government did not intend to carry out its obligations, or had not strength enough to insist upon the necessary sacrifices being made. Although there was nothing new in these accusations, it was a fitting opportunity to remind the delegation, face to face, that this policy of defiance must come to a speedy end, and that both the letter and the spirit of the Treaty must be carried out, otherwise the Allies would take steps for en foreement. Subsequent events in connection with the brazen attempts by Herr von Simons to obtain concessions that he knew quite well would not be granted, completely vindicate the line of speech taken by the British Premier, who also indicated with unerring exactitude the fundamental basis on which Germany has built up this policy of deliberate defiance and evasion, namely, responsibility for the war. The persistence with which the German authorities, from 'the -ex-Kaiser downwards, have strenuously endeavored to saddle France and Britain with forcing Germany into war, though disproved completely by irrefutable documents and facts, is still being kept alive for Teutonic propaganda purposes, but Mr. Lloyd George told the delegation bluntly that “Germany must accept responsibility for the war, and interpret her obligations accordingly.” This dictum cannot be too convincingly impressed on the German people, for its general recognition would uproot the last shred of the illusion that they can hope to escape the consequences of defeat. Speaking in the House of Commons subsequently. Mr. Lloyd,George again referred to this crueial point, and quoijed a, resent statement ,b£ Herr

von Simons repudiating Germany’s responsibility for the war, adding, that the repudiation was acclaimed throughout Germany. How large a part this responsibility plays in the treatment of Germany by the Allies, can be gleaned from a later portion of Mr. Lloyd George’s speech, in which he said:

“For the Allies, Germany’s responsibility for the war was fundamental, and if that acknowledgment was abandoned, the Treaty would be destroyed.” It will lie noticed that.the Deutsche Allegemeine Zeitung warned the Allies that the Treaty forbids forcible steps to be taken ‘‘unless. Germany has consciously violated the Treaty, and then must only be of an economic character.” Not only has Germany consciously violated the Treaty, but has done so with deliberate intent, and if she dared would*tear it to pieces. The steps indicated by the ultimatum are strictly in accord with the Treaty—of an economic character, backed up by the necessary means for collecting the outward and inward customs dues. In no sense can this be justly termed “an illegal occupation of German territory.” The order given for the advance of troops in the occupied area should convince the Germans that the Allies are determined to have the Treaty honored and obeyed, even if force has to be used. Herr Simons must have been desperately in need of a plausible excuse when he expressed the belief that Mr,. Lloyd George “misunderstood the German attitude.” . Evidently the, plain speaking of the British Premier disconcerted Herr Simons, but he may i-est assured that Germany’s attitude is thoroughly understood and as thoroughly condemned, not only by the whole of the British Empire, but by the Allies and all unprejudiced people. The German Government has backed and backed until it is now against a wall which blocks all further evasions. The Allies are not asking, as they well might, for repayment of the cost of the war, 'but simply insist, on the payment of reparation for injuries inflicted on Allied countries and peoples, for wanton destruction of 21,000 factories in France, also rolling mills in Belgium that were blown up to prevent competition with the. Germans, and for other injuries that will take at least a decade to restore. As to German guilt there is no question, nor can there be any appeal from the terms of her sentence as expressed in .the Versailles Treaty, for unless, as Mr. Lloyd George pointedly asserted, reparation is made by Germany, the victors will pay the price of defeat, and the vanquished will reap the fruits of victory. The issue Germany has now to face is one that -demands her serious consideration. The .Allies are united, and are determined to enforce the Treaty, not harshly or in any unreasonable spirit. Unless Germany carries out her Treaty Obligations she must abide by the results of her default.