The exercise or non-exercise of this option of expropriation appears to lie, not with the Reparation Commission, but with the particular Power in whose territory the property has become situated by cession or mandation.
[17] Art.

297 (h) and para.

4 of Annex to Part X.Section IV.
[18] Arts.

53 and 74.
[19] In 1871 Germany granted France credit for the railways of Alsace-Lorraine but not for State property.

At that time, however, the railways were private property.