Five chapters from Morgenthau’s book, Germany is our Problem, here published with an introductory note by Ellopos. Emphasis, in bold or italic letters, by Ellopos. Complete book in print.
2. Confiscation of the German merchant fleet. That virtually
compels the Germans to build newer, faster and better ships which can enjoy a
competitive advantage on important trade routes.
3. War factories to be dismantled or converted to peacetime
production. The United States has demonstrated with what speed these factories
can be converted back again and how much basic production is the same for peace
or war.
4. Control commissions to watch for a period of years to see
that no munitions are made. But the United Nations would get tired of watching
and in any case, the factories would be ready for conversion as soon as the
term of years expired.
5. Restitution of loot. It is unlikely that much of it can
be identified, but it would hardly slake the German thirst for more loot later.
6. Reparations for the devastated countries in actual
materials rather than money over a period of years. This sounds just, but it
could further strengthen German industry and tend to weaken the industry of the
recipients.
7. Allied control commissions to supervise German economy in
the interest of collecting reparations. Measures to be taken would be a
fruitful source of inter-Allied disputes and would saddle the Allies with
responsibility for the German economy.
8. War criminals to be tried by an international tribunal
under democratic court procedures. Germany would reap a crop of martyrs, for
the trials would be a sounding board for Nazi dogma.
