GERMANY'S COUNTERCLAIMS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 17583, 29 May 1919, Page 5

GERMANY'S COUNTERCLAIMS.

M. CLEMENCEAU SPEAKS PLAINLY TO GERMANY.

Received May 28, 10 p.m

PAKn, May 26

M. Clemenceau, in reply to a German Note asking for the repatriation of prisoners, says the Allies cannot release those guilty of crimes. The Allies are not aware that any alleviation of their position is possible since their treatment has always observed the laws of humanity. The Allies will restore personal property when prisoners are repatriated. He agrees to the appointment of a mixed commission when Peace is signed, but must refuse complete reciprocity In the return of prisoners in #iew of the treatment received by Allies interned in Germany during the war

PARIS, May 25

Replying to Rantzau's Note regarding economic questions, M. Clemenceau says the Note ignores the origins and results of the war. The Allies are only asking Germany to hand over four million tons of shipping, whereas Germany sank twelve million during the war. M. Clemenw#au admits that important wheat wnd potato areas have been taken from Germany, but these areas would remain free to export to Germany. Replying to complaints about lives being lost owing to the blockade, M. Clemenceau reminds the Germans that there were greater losses of lives caused by their ruthless aggressions. The reply concludes: Nothihg can prevent Germany regaining at position of prosperity in Europe. Her territories suffered less during the war than other belligerents. Germany possesses resources intact, which, together with importations, should suffice to reconstitute her. Moreover, the great reduction ,in armaments will mean huge economy. The Germans' sufferings arise not from the conditions of peace but from the acts of those who provoked a prolonged war, the authors of which will not be able to escape its just consequences."