The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1921. COERCIVE MEASURES.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 April 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1921. COERCIVE MEASURES.

The German Government has at last been brought -to a position from which there is no escape except by honoring the obligations imposed by the Peace Treaty. The policy of deliberate evasion will no longer avail against the Allies’ determination to have a settlement of the reparations demands, and they are ready to apply coercion if other means fail. In desperation an urgent appeal has been made by Germany to America for intervention that would prevent the adoption of coercive measures, only to be met with a direct refusal unless Germany formulated definite proposals (presumably of a nature that would be acceptable to the Allies), and then President Harding might be induced 1 to mediate. America has already indicated that she supports the Allies in their reparation demands. She could not justly take any other course. The decision of the Allies to occupy the Ruhr district, and thus seize th? wealthiest portion of German territory,' has made a profound impression on the Teutonic mind, and evoked a wholesome fear of the “immeasurable consequences of imminent coercive measures.” Coercion, backed up by the requisite force, is the only action that Germany thoroughly understands—and fears. She has driven the Allies to taking extreme measures, and yet, at the eleventh hour, goes whining to America to stay the hands of those whom she has been treating with contumacy and contempt. Instead of paying her debts to those whom she so, grossly injured and endeavored to cripple for generations, she is spending money lavishly on her own recuperation and trade expansion. Even in her latest proposals, for the adoption of which she is striving to obtain American Support and advocacy, she is still striving to avoid paying money, and only offers labor and material for reconstructing the devastated regions. It may justly be asked why the Allies should have to bear the enormous financial burden resulting from the war, as well as the oppressive taxation connected therewith, while 'the Germans are escaping.all but noihinal taxation and entering upon gigantic enterprises for undermining British and other industries by means of cheap goods, competing against those who have to bear the burden of heavy taxes, the result being unemployment. It is stated that if the Ruhr district is occupied by the Allies the proposed‘penalties will yield two hundred million sterling a year. If positions had been reversed, there

is no question that > Germany would, immediately after the end, of the war, have occupied the richest territory of the Allies, and exacted the uttermost farthing by way of indemnities. Germany has pursued a policy that places further leniency beyond the pale of reason. There is no. wobbling on the part of France as to applying coercive measures, for France has felt the, heel of the conqueror on her neck, and had to pay in full. The position is that the time has arrived iwhen Germany must either pay voluntarily or by compulsion. All that the United States can do is to offer to mediate, or use persuasion. The matter is not one for arbitration, and although America took part in the later stages of the war she has left the Allies to do the washing up. They are quite capable of managing the business, and it would only complicate matters for America to interfere. Germany is not entitled to further consideration. She has forced the hand of the Allies, and must abide by the consequences. The Allies are willing to give time, but large payments are long overdue, and will continue to be in arrear unless steps are taken to secure payment. Had the German Government been in earnest, over meeting its liabilities to the Allies, the people would have been taxed to provide money for redemption, but they are carrying on as if not a penny was owing for reparations, and the time has come to put an end to this intolerable state of affairs, even though it entails coercion. Evidently nothing but that will avail, therefore the sooner action is taken the better it will be.