SPA CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1920, Page 2

SPA CONFERENCE

GERMANY’S COAL FAILURE.

PROTEST AND ANSWER.

Reuter s telegrams

LONDON, July 10. A Spa commuique states tho Confer- • ence discussed the question of coal. Berginann explained the shortago of de„ liveries was due to Rhine floods Germany’s internal troubles and strikes. M. Millerand replying pointed out . that notwithstanding the Reparations Commission had reduced the coal demanded from Germany from thirty-nine to twenty-one million tons annually, Ger many had delivered roughly at the rate of only half tho latter amount. Moreover Germany, on her own authority, had reduced deliveries by ten thousand tons daily under the pretext that an increased supply had been given Poland. Germany was actually in a more favourable situation than France, being able to fulfill 79 per cent, of her needs against 59 in tlie case of 3? ranee. M. Millerand pointed out that at tfie very moment wlien Germany was failing to fullfill her obligations, she was making coal contracts with Switzerland and Holland, against the protests of the Repatriations Commission. M. Millerand read a note giving details of the proposed Allied measures.

The Germans were given till this morning- to reply. General Simons later communicated to the Conference, Germany’s reply to the Allies notification regarding coal. , He disputed the legal right of the Allies to impose a decision. He admitted the coal deliveries should not have been diminished nor contracts with other states concluded in the absence of agreement, but tlie failure .of Germafiy to fill engagements was solely due to reasons of force majeure. He said the question of production and distributing coal could only be settled by a common investigation.

ALLIES NOTE TO RUSSIA

SPA, July 7 2

Tt is reported that, as a result of M. Grabski’s request at Spa for Allied intervention in the Russo-Polish dispute, that action has been taken. Grab«ki pointed out that foreign policy is being misunderstood.

The Allies have sent a note to Russia, proposing that there be an immediate armistice iyith Poland, on condition, that the Poles withdraw to their own frontiers, the armistice to bp followed by a Peace Conference in' which all the States bordering op Russia, will participate. The Allied Note adds: If'Hie 80l shevaks invade Poland then the Allies will give Poland every ppsgjblf ag sistance.

It is officially denied that Britain proposing any separate peace wjtji Ffmp sia.