The Basis in International Law for German Reparation Obligations Towards the Victorious Coalition and Towards Poland in Particular
The Basis in International Law for German Reparation Obligations Towards the Victorious Coalition and Towards Poland in Particular

Summary/Abstract: The answer to the question about the legal basis for German reparations is obvious. Recognised authorities of international legal doctrine state that reparations are a response to the international lawlessness of war, and a generally recognised principle of international law. It therefore follows that Poland's right to obtain reparations from Germany after the end of the war was, and remains, beyond dispute. Contention arises solely on account of two questions concerning the scope and manner in which this right was realised by Poland, namely: was it possible to alienate - without compensation and by virtue of the German State's liabilities arising from the war (war reparations) - the property belonging to private persons (German citizens); and was it necessary, for the purpose of obtaining war reparations, to specify claims in a peace treaty?

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