V

REPARATION

197

figure of the claim against the enemy Powers by anexamination in detail of the claims of each of theAllies under Annex I. of the Reparation Chapter.This task must be completed by May 1921. It shallgive to the German Government and to Germany 'sallies "a just opportunity to be heard, but not totake any part whatever in the decisions of theCommission." That is to say, the Commission willact as a party and a judge at the same time.

2. Having determined the claim, it will draw upa schedule of payments providing for the dischargeof the whole sum with interest within thirty years.From time to time it shall, with a view to modifyingthe schedule within the limits of possibility, " considerthe resources and capacity of Germany . . . givingher representatives a just opportunity to be heard."

" In periodically estimating Germany 's capacityto pay, the Commission shall examine the German system of taxation, first, to the end that the sums forreparation which Germany is required to pay shallbecome a charge upon all her revenues prior to thatfor the service or discharge of any domestic loan, andsecondly, so as to satisfy itself that, in general, theGerman scheme of taxation is fully as heavy pro-portionately as that of any of the Powers representedon the Commission."

3. Up to May 1921, the Commission has power,with a view to securing the payment of £1000million, to demand the surrender of any piece of