France and Reparations Meanwhile M. Flandrin, the Finance Minister, has
made clear the French view of the problem of repara- tions and war debts, the other essential factor in the rehabilitation of Germany and of Europe, in a statement in the Echo de Paris. He said, in brief, that, if the United States cared to propose the cancellation of war debts, France would agree to remit that part of the German pay- ments to France which covered the payments made by France to her creditors. But there could be no question of France renouncing her right to the other part of the German payments " which did not even cover the actual restoration of the damage caused not only by the War, but by systematic and intentional destruction." Ger- many's capacity to pay was affirmed by the experts who framed the Young Plan, though at the moment she might be in difficulties. The French taxpayer is clearly not to be asked to relieve the German taxpayer of his obligations.
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