GERMAN INDEMNITY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 200, 19 May 1920, Page 7

GERMAN INDEMNITY

THE MINIMUM PAYMENT FRENCH PRIORITY NOT RECOGNISED ' t (By Telegraph-Presa Association-Copyright > (Rec. May 18, 5.5 p.m.) : Paris, May 17. ' It is stated in well-informed circles that Mr. Lloyd George and M. Millerand laid down at the Hythe Conference the sum of 125 milliard of marlcs as the minimum of. the German indemnity, in order to avoid difficulties owing to fluetuatioi ii the rates of exchange. • Mr. Lloyd George was unable to recognise the priority of Fran(>e to reparation, ■ contending that there could be no dis--1 tinction between the victims of. the war. ; Tho objection was inspired by the attitude of the British Dominion Govern--1 ments, who are counting upon the 1 money due from Germany in order to, assure payment of soldiers' pensions. The French delegates proposed the payment of the indemnity in thirty-three annual instalments and the raising of'a larga loan covered by Germany, EYance, Britai.i, Italy, and Belgium; with the | indemnity as security.—Eeuter. i (Rcc. May 19, 0.5 a.m.) Paris, May 17. It is somi-officially stated that the German indemnity has been fixed at 225 milliard marks.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. May 19, 0.15 a.m.) Paris, May 18. Prance has agreed to a minimum indemnity of six thousand millions sterling, .liable to revision upwards.—"The Times." ' FAILURE TO "CARRY OUT TREATY GERMANY to give explanations . AT spa. (Rec. May 18, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, May 17. M. Millerand, in an interview with the "Matin," said:—"Mr. IJoyd George and myself, quickly reached an agreement, communication of which will inlinediately be sent to Germany. We remind, her only that she is invited to Spa to give explanation, especially regarding lier failure to carry out the military clauses of the Treaty. The Allies meanwhile will continue all the measures necessary . to ensure the execution of the tconomfe clauses."—Au9.-N.Z- Cable Assn. TRIAL ofwAß* CRIMINALS ALLIES FORWARD FIRST INSTAL- ( . MENT OF NAMES. (Rec. May 18, 11.15 p.m.) London, May 17. In the House of Commons at question time Mr. Bonar Law stated that the Allies on May 7 forwarded to the German Government the first instalment, containing forty-five names, of war criminals compiled by the inter-Allied Commission. The Allies at the same time requested that the trial of prisoners by the Leipzig. Court would begin without delay. They also pointed out that the German Government must adequately guarantee the protection of any Allied witnesses and allow an Allied representative to he present 'at all sittings of the Court. Mr. Bonar Law reminded the. House that tho' Allies reSSrve'a.all rights under Articles 228 and 229 of the Treaty of Versailles if the procedure at the Leipzig Court was un-satisfactory.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.Reuter. EVACUATION OF~RHENISH TOWNS CARRIED OUT QUIETLY. „ Paris, May 17. The evacuation of the towns'on the right bank of the Rhine was carried out quietly this morning. The population was warned by a laconic proclamation by General Deg'outee. saying "The French keep their word. —Router. POILUS' EXEMPLARY' BEHAVIOUR. (Rec. May 19, 0.5 a.m.) i Paris, May 17. The main body of the French marched in daylight to Mayence, bandsplayingand flags flying. As hostages the French took the burgomaster, the chief of police, and several councillors, also a million marks in money. They will be returned when the troops have been evaouated without molestation. Germans in several places presented flowers and fruit as tributes to the exemplary behaviour of the poilus. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.