Cession of Territory and Reparations Are
Mutually Incompatible (July 14, 1919)
Germany has replied to the Allies that if it loses Silesia and the coal mines of the
Saar, it will be unable to pay the reparations. I suspect that when they heard this the
Allies were extremely vexed. Why? Territory can be ceded, reparations can also be
obtained, above all with regard for both sides. But Germany says the two are inversely
proportional. How could the Allies not be vexed? Nevertheless, I venture to urge their
excellencies, the high officials of the Allies, to consider where on earth there is anything
so excellent as being acceptable to both sides?