CFM Files
United States Delegation Journal
USDel (PC) (Journal) 27
The Commission continued its discussion of the Australian amendments to the reparation article [C.P.(Gen)Docs.1.B.9 and 10]. The Greek representative opposed the amendments. He asked for reparation in full and pointed out that reconstruction of the damage caused by the invasion and occupation of his country by two of the Axis Powers was proceeding at a very slow pace and further delay in the settlement of the reparation obligation would delay reconstruction. He suggested that reparation should not only be related to damage sustained but also should take into account the relation of the damage to the total wealth of the country and its ability to recover by its own efforts. He referred to the proposal that Albania should share in Italian reparation and stated that something should be done about the war debt of 240 million drachmae forced on Greece by Albania. He said this should be repaid and study given to the extent to which Albania should make reparation payments to Greece. After this was done, consideration could be given to Albania’s claims for reparation from Italy.
The French representative also said he could not accept the Australian amendments. He pointed out that in view of the Italian economic situation and Italian co-belligerency, it was proposed to ask only for partial reparation payment. However, whatever amount was determined should be paid, and two aspects of the Australian proposal, those which involved postponement of the decision and collection in foreign exchange, would make payment uncertain.
M. Vyshinsky (USSR) made a second speech for his delegation. He criticized the Australian amendments along the lines previously taken by the Soviet Delegation. He emphasized that the Soviet Union was only asking for partial payment as a symbol of punishment of aggressors. However, the Soviet Union considered the reparation provisions agreed by the Council of Foreign Ministers to be the cornerstone of the peace treaty, and M. Vyshinsky suggested that they should be adopted by acclamation as a tribute to the Soviet people. He pointed out that Italy was prepared to accept the CFM proposal.
The South African representative said the Australian proposal, particularly the idea of a commission to supervise execution of the reparation settlement, had some merit but he thought it better to fix the reparation obligation now.
[Page 306]There was then a brief discussion of procedure, and the Commission agreed, at the suggestion of the Chairman, that no one should speak twice on the same subject. If after the Chairman has requested comments on an amendment, none are forthcoming, the mover of the amendment will have the right to close the debate with his reply. The Chairman agreed to keep in mind a suggestion of the Yugoslav representative that if the mover of an amendment, in his final reply, opens up new questions, the debate may be reopened.
Mr. Walker (Australia) said the Australian Delegation recognized the merit of some of the criticisms expressed, in particular that of the Greek representative suggesting that consideration be given to the relative burden of the losses to the country concerned. He noted, however, that certain aspects of the amendments had received favorable comment and said he reserved the right, should the amendments as a whole not be approved, to raise again proposals embodying such parts as seemed to find favor. He defended the proposal for payment in foreign exchange and said no answer had been made to his criticism of the Council decision to the effect that the system of payment proposed would cause friction and interfere with the internal affairs of Italy. He suggested that the reparation question should be considered as a whole and stated that the CFM decision was open to the interpretation that the USSR was being given a preferred position.
The Australian amendments were then defeated by a vote of 15 to 2. Australia and New Zealand voted in favor; Canada, the Netherlands and South Africa abstained from voting; and the remaining members voted against the amendments.