PEACE TREATY

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1920, Page 3

PEACE TREATY

(By Electric Telegraph—Co might.»

INDEMNITY PAYMENT. PARIS, May 17. It is stated in well-informed circles that Mr Lloyd George and M. Millerand laid it down at their 'Hytlie Conteronce that the sum of 115 milliard of marks is to bo the minimum amount of German indemnity, in order to avoid difficulties through the fluctuations in the rates of exchange. . / 1 ■> Mr Lloyd George is stated to have declared that lie was unable to recognise a priority of claim on the part of France to the reparation. He contended thero could be no distinction between any of the nations who were victims' of the war. His objection was inspired by the attitude of the British Dominion Governments, who are all counting upon some money as boing due from Germany in order to assure the payment of their soldiers’ pensions. The French delegates at Hytho proposed that the payment of the indemnity be made in thirty-three annual instalments. They also proposed the raising of a large loan, to be covered by Germany, France, Britain, Italy, and Belgium, with the indemnity as its security.

ATTITUDE TO GERMANY. PARIS, May 17. M. Millerand, French Prime Minister, in ail interview with “Le Matin,” said; “Mr Lloyd George-and myseli quickly reached an agreement, the Communication of which will immediately be sent to Germany. It will remind her that she is only being invited, to the Spa Conference to give explanations, especially regarding her failure' to carry out the military clauses of the Peace Treaty. The Allies, meanwhile, will continue all the measures necessary to ensure the execution of the economic clauses of the Treaty.” ,

THE FRENCH WITHDRAWAL. '/ (Received this day at 8 a.m.)

PARIS, May 17. The main body of French marched in daylight to Mayence with bands playing and flags'flying. As hostages the French jtoolc the Burgomaster, chief of police and several councillors, also a million marks in money. They will be returned when troops have evacuated without molestation. Germans in ,several places presented flowers and fruit as tributes to the exemplary behaviour of tho poilus.

' A REPORTED SUM. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) PARIS, May 17. It is semi-officially stated' that the German indemnity has been fixed at 225 milliard marks, / ' THE INDEMNITY. (Received tbis day at 8 a.m.) PARIS, May 18. France has agreed to minimum indemnity of six thousand million sterling, liable to revision upwards. TURKISH AGITATION. (Received Tms Day at 8 a.m.) CONSTANTINOPLE, May 18. A public clamour against the Treaty is rising amongst all classes and the press. °A refusal to sign is predicted.