INTER-ALLIED CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 28 January 1921, Page 2

INTER-ALLIED CONFERENCE

BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. A consultation. PARIS, Jan 26. The Belgian Minister of War visited thy French headquarters in the occupier territory. It is believed the consultation will result in strengthening the unity of action lietween French and Belgian troops. , CONFER FACE DECISIONS. PATHS, Jim 26. The Conference heard the 1 reach Finance Minister’s statement regardin<f reparations. A discussion postponed pending further details. It is understood the .Minister emphasised the French view that the last cent, must be extracted from Germany. The Conference is considering the Polish and Russian questions. FRENCH DISCUSSION.

PARIS, January 26

Apropos of the Reparations discussions at the Inter-Allied Conference, the newspapers recall Lloyd George’s speech at Bristol during the election campaign in 1918, in which he said: “Those who start war must pay to ♦he uttermost farthing, and we shall search their pockets for it.’’ The newspaper ‘‘Eclair’ says it is reported that Lloyd George considers it to be folly to attempt to extract the full amount and says: “We iospeotfully llemind the British Prime Minister of his election speech.”

Arising possibly out of these comments, a portion of the crowd witnessing Lloyd George’s departure from the Hotel Grillon for the Conference, raised ed tlie cry of “Search their pockets!” and also, “What about- the last farthing.” In a speech M. Doumer, Minister of Finance, suggested that steps bo taken to give the mark a positive value. Germany should be compelled t-o ncreaso her postal, railway and telegraoh rates, and thus make good the deficit. The German taxpayer must- pay the same amount as the French. Regular taxes should be imposed for the pay-, meat of the indemnity. M. DoumGr ridiculed Herr Bergmann’s prosposals. The Conference recognised Esthonia lmt. deferred recognition of Lithuania until the future'of Vilna fs settled. Whereas Allied experts suggest that Germany should pay 150 million sterling in gold annually, Herr Bergmana interviewed, proposes one hundred million yearly, of which a quarter should be in gold and the rest in raw material and merchandise. Herr Bergmann adds that Germany hopes to retain Upper Silesia.

DISARMAMENT OF GERMANY. WASHINGTON, January 20 The State Department announces it has been receiving regular reports from Hit' British and French Government regarding the German disarmament discussions by the Supreme Council. When the reports are complete tlie United States will communicate its attitude to J the Allies. Officials explain that the | Uniod States is vitally interested in j Germany’s fulfilment of the Armistice terms. The administration believes that 'Germany’ is disarming as rapidly .Is conditions permit, for which reason America is opposed to undue pressurebeing put upon For. MAKING GERMANY RAY. (Received This Day at 9.*45 a.m.) LONDON, Jan 27. Tlio “Central News” Paris correspondent states the Allies are unanimous on tho principle of making Germany pay, to the uttermost farthing, hut there is a divergence of opinion as to the method of payment. Franco expected sixteen and a half million francs from Germany to assist her to meet her heavy deficit. Cabinet does not dare increase taxation while Germany is escaping with three pounds a head. Hon Lloyd George and the Belgians are willing t-o take half cash, and half raw materials but French miners do not favour importing coal, in view of tho short time being worked in French mines.