GERMANY.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17123, 19 April 1921, Page 7

GERMANY.

THE INDEMNITY QUESTION. DEVELOPMENT CHECKED. (By C«blo—Prws Association—Copyright.) (Atutralian and N.Z. Cri>.« AMOoiattu^.' CAPE TOWN, April 16. The report of the commissioners sent to Germany to endeavour to arrange for the purchase of South African wool, ears the project was first received most favourably by leading commercial men, but they soon cooled off. The commissioners concluded that the Gorman Government, with the co-operation of the banks, was deliberately keeping back the development of tho country, so a» not to give tho appearance that Germany can pay a largo indemnity They add that it is quite possiblo that the value of _ the mark can be artificially kept at its present figure. In other words, directly the amount of the indemnity is finally settled, the country will bo allowed to develop on natural lines. NEW OrrER~DEAWN UP.

(Received April 18th, 5.5 p.m.) BERLIN, April 18. Orersnn-dqwing every subject of discussion is the threatened French advance if 6ix hundred millions sterling) duo on May Ist, is not paid or acceptable proposals submitted. Tho newspapers regard the next fortnight as the most fateful for Germany since the armistice. It is understood that Germany's new proposals include an offer to assume responsibility for the Allied debts to America and' the payment of a substantial cash sum raised by an international loan, also Allied participation in German industry.

APPEAL TO VATICAN.

("The Ttmec.")

(Received April 18th, 9.50 p.m.) PARIS, April 18. The Germans are fervently clutching at any expedient to prevent the occupation of the Ruhr basin. Kis now understood that they have asked the Vatican to approach the United States and ask the latter to act as mediator.