On this day, 104 years ago, April 29, 1921 (March 22, 1921 in the lunar calendar), the Allies submitted a bill for war claims to Germany. On April 29, 1921, the Allies formally paid Germany a bill for war reparations. The bill was less than people expected. The total amount of the bill was DM 132 billion, or approximately US$33 billion at current exchange rates. Once announced, the bill caused fierce controversy between the Allies and Germany. Last week, the Reparations Commission ordered Germany to place all of its gold reserves under the management of the Allies. And France warned that if this demand was not met, it would implement its threat to occupy the Ruhr on May 1. The U.S. government rejected a request from Germany to mediate in the dispute. However, several German newspapers admitted that President Harding was working behind the scenes to reduce the amount of reparations.