SPA CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1920, Page 2

SPA CONFERENCE

(Reuter’s Telegram. ) GERMAN MINISTER’S CLAIM. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, June 7. The Spa communique reports that at a fuly attended conference including tne Allies military and naval advisers, the German Minister of Defence reported in regard to the execution of the military clauses of the Treaty. General Simon.? made a supplementary statement, it transpired from this that the German Government attempted to attribute the delays in this matter to tile economic situation, especially as regards reducing the military effectives, alleging it-, was impossible to disband more rapidiy, because the men thus swelled the ranks of the unemployed. AN OFFICIAL REPORT. (Reuter’s Telegiam.: (Received this day at 8.40 a.tn.) LONDON, July V. A Spa communique states that President De la Croix and Hon. Lloyd George insisted on the necessity of Germany fixing definite early dates for the execution of her military obligation/ regarding naval and aerial matters, if they wished sincerely to ensure peace and inspire confidence. Hon. Lloyd George requested the Ger- ■/ mail delegates to furnish details at nextL sitting. The German Chancellor, Fehrenbacli, , guaranteed the peaceful sentiments of the mass of the German people and their freedom from any idea of revenge, ULTIMATUM TO TURKEY. V (Pnitpd Seryicp Telegrams). (Received this day at 8 a.m.) v ■ LONDON, July 7. According to Spa advice* the Pre- , mier’s considered Turkey's reply and decided that it was impossible to make important) alterations, and ordered a counter reply containing ail ultimatum that the Porte must consent within 10 days. • GERMAN OFFER REFUND; [CONDON TIMES SKUVICP—COJ*VIIipM] (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 7. The Allies refused the German offer to reduce the army in fifteen months, and will announce the finaf decisiqp tomorrow. GETTING THE WIND ÜB. GERMANS ALARMED., AT ALLIES FIRM STAND. (Received this day at 8.40 a.iq.)' , LONDON, July f. ■ " Spa messages jpdicatp that fhe Ge(: r mans are genuinely alarmed by thjj Allies firmness. French and Belgians I are delighted at Hou. Ljoyd George’s strong stand. The tone of the German delegation counselled a refusal to give specific promises and preferred a. rupture of negotiations but spier councils prevailed. Night long discussions continued throughout the morning in order to have a plan ready for tiie afternoon conference in aceorcjance with the Allies demands. ®i<; Geypumj* , sought the Allies advice at one stage,' as to whether they,were proceeding af required. ' The ‘‘Evening Standard’s” Spa correspondent understands the proposals prqvide for a reduction of .effectives to occupy much longer than the Treaty ; stipulates, anj believes the plan amounts to a. revision of the treaty. The correspondent adds that the British military advisers support the proposals l , but French and Belgians dis, approve of departures from the Treaty stipulations,