SPA CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1920, Page 3

SPA CONFERENCE

(Reuter's Telegram.) THE BLUFF CALLED.

(Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) SPA, July 15. There is a widespread belief that the Germans will accept the situation, -c ■ is believed Stinnes advises the acceptance of the terms on the ground’tint the occupation of Ruhr would he fatal to Germany. Stinnes says the Germans can sign and then tell the Eeiehstag that they were forced to do so as \ • at Versailles- . Thereafter they will probably resign. * A GRAVE CRISIS. :Received this day at 9.20 a.m.) PARIS, July 14. Official circles take a serious view of the. iSpa difficulties. The French Army of Occupation has been ordered i to stand to arms. All leave ha§ been stopped and reinforcements have gone to thp Rhine. Thi; “Djiilv Express” correspondent says arrangements are complete for the French occupation of Ruhr, even if Britain disapproves. (French miners . will work the mines. A SERIOUS POSITION. (Received this day at 9.20 a.m.) • iPA&JfS, July 14. Spa messages emphasise that hitherto j there has been no open rupture. The . fact that Hon. Lloyd George receiv- j ed von Simons is regarded as a hopeful J . sign, but there have been no further ( from the Germans In- * ring the day. The suspense is acute, j The Allies held a prolonged conference j during the afternoon. Focli and Wil- , son attended and then adjourned till | to-morrow when the decision will be conveyed to the Germans. There is rppprted to be considerable diiflculty among the Allies regarding plans if Gprmany js obdurate.

CRITICAL MOMENTS, I i AWAITING A DECISION. I (Received this day, at 9.30 a.m.) I LONDON, July IS; ■ Reports from Spa state the Allies tomorrow will deliver an ultimatum. Today’s suspense is acute: Hon Lloyd George conferred with Von Simons and M. Padereski. * I No evening communique was issued. . Correspondents believe the Allies have come to a united decision to take firm action. The “Daily Chronicle’s” correspond- | ent says the solution of the crisis by agreement -is now impossible. The Allies are considering the precise form of jipfion about to bo taken. British diplomats view the situation with the gravest anxiety. They point out that the coal problem affects Britain, T&iit coal constitutes only one item in the reparation demands. If the German coal attitude be repeated on other questions, what possible hope is there of a solution. The “Daily Telegraph’s” correspondent understands Hon Lloyd George to'd Von Simons that if he believes * there is any lack of solidarity or want qf ajpojig the Allies for energetic, speedy action, he bad bettor „et rid of his illusion. ° Tlie Supreme Council sat over two hours in the evening, and agreed on a strong ultimatum demanding two- million tons of coal monthly. The delegates dispersed with a solemn air. n The question of Italian co-operation has been discussed, also the possibility of an American contingent participating in the new occupation. It is understood the Belgian chief of staff unfolded a scheme of gradual occupation of German towns and villages, according as German obduracy persists, or subsides. It Is rumoured that Von Simons made Hon Lloyd George a fresh offer. The “Daily News” correspondent learns that Italian delegates are opposed to drastic action. Formal pourparlers continued to-night. A messenger ’ 'f ro m Lloyd George remained in the Conference with German delegates to a k late hour. " Von Simons interviewed, said he does not regard" the threat to occupy Ruhr ac (jpriou;i, for if the French went there, they would get nothing because there would be a general strike. Therefore we are simply awaiting the Allies reply. A CLEVER REJOINDER. The story is told that Marshal Foch on arrival at Spa was asked why he had returned and lie replied that he understood the Allies and Germans were n,it gpealdng the same language and “I have pimp to act as interpreter.’’ , * :

THE BLUFF FAILS. GERMANS' AICCEPT COAL TERMS. "-•»* /liei ci' cil This Dav at 12.25 p.m.) ' SRA, July 15. 'l'lie Germans have accepted the Allies coal terms and an ultimatum wil 1 bp unnecessary,