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A REVISION OF THE TREATY

CHAP.

to accept the Lloyd George-Hymans compromise ofincluding Eestitution but not Separation. Thediscussion was postponed for M. Hymans to drafta formula. On its resumption next day, it wasM. Clemenceau who produced a formula consistingof the three words Reparation des dommages.M. Hymans, M. Sonnino, and Mr. Bonar Law allexpressed doubt whether this was in place in theArmistice Terms. M. Clemenceau replied that heonly wanted to mention the principle, and thatFrench public opinion would be surprised if therewas no reference to it. Mr. Bonar Law objected :"It is already mentioned in our letter to PresidentWilson which he is about to communicate to Germany .It is useless to repeat it." 1 This observation metwith no contradiction, but it was agreed on senti-mental grounds and for the satisfaction of publicopinion to add M. Clemenceau's three words. TheCouncil then passed on to other topics. At the lastmoment, as they were about to disperse, M. Klotzslipped in the words : "It would be prudent to putat the head of the financial questions a clause reservingthe future claims of the Allies, and I propose to youthe wording ' Without prejudice to any subsequentclaims and demands on the part of the Allies. ' " 2

1 This very important remark by Mr. Bonar Law is also quoted byM. Tardieu (op. cit. p. 70) and is therefore of undoubted authenticity.

2 " II serait prudent de mettre en tete des questions financieres uneclause reservant les revendications futures des Allies et je vous propose letexte suivant: ' Sous reserve de toutes revendications et reclamationsulterieures de la part des Allies.' "