The Reparation Commission last week agreed to make a very
considerable reduction in the payments to be made by Germany this year. Instead of demanding £100,000,000 in gold, together with the proceeds of an export duty of 26 per cent., the Commission asked for only £36,000,000 in gold, with goods to the value of £72,500,000. In return for this appreci- able concession the Commission invited the German Govern- ment to reform their finances, to reduce their expenditure and to impose new taxes bringing in 60,000,000,000 marks (or £10,000,000), and to raise loans at home and abroad. The German Opposition parties raised an outcry, but the Govern- ment took time to consider their position. It seems only reasonable that if the Allies give Germany an abatement to help her in her difficulties, they should impose conditions so that she may be really benefited.
Previous page
