THE REPARATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1921, Page 3

THE REPARATIONS

CABLE NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

FR ENCH CONSCRIPTS

PARIS, April 29

The French Chamber of Deputies has adopted a Bill authorising the temporary retention in arms of the soldiers who have completed their three years’ service. By this means the army is to be maintained at a sufficient strength to enforce the VersailleseTreaty without calling up other classes.

ALLIED PRESSURE.

BERLIN, April 29.

The unyielding attitude of the Allies -has created a deep impression in German political and financial circles. A conviction is growing that an acceptance of the Paris terms would be less disastrous than tbe penalties, especially tbe occupation of the Ruhr.

Pressure to being brought to bear on the Cabinet to increase tbe reparation offer. This would involve Dr Simon’s resignation, and a. reconstruction of tbe Government.

•Negotiations to this end have been opened with the Socialist Party.

ALLIES STERN NOTE

PARIS, April 29

The Allied Reparations Commissioners, in a stern Note to Germany, point out there is an omission of a list of mining and all concessions in Russia, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria and Turkey. from the list of the concessions and public utility services acquired by German State and private interests, which are transferable to the Allies under tbe Versailles Treaty.

SIMONS INTERVIEWED

NEW YORK, April 29

Th (? “Herald’s” Berlin correspondent interviewed Dr Simons, who said: “1 am convinced our reparations ofler can serve as the basis of a discussion which will clear the air of hostilities, and make the work of rebuilding Europe ]Kissil)lc. We are ready to give President Harding further evidence of our earnest will to this end ; if lie asks for our views. He lias every opportunity to make further enquiries concerning our interpretation of the offer. It is only reasonable that the details should not bo finally settled. Many of tbe objections now raised against our offer ■arc spacious, and tactical.’

| AT THE SUPREME COUNCIL. , (Received this da.v at 8 n.m ’ LONDON, April 30 j The Supreme Council discussed for , four and a half hours. Germany’s failuie to execute the \ orsailles Treaty, j M. Briand made a long speech in favoui of immediate Allied action. Lloyd George urged instead of the occupation of. Ruhr that a brief ultimatum should be sent to Germany, giving a seven day limit in which to forward definite acceptable proposals. The Italian delegation supported Llovd George. A communique has been issued stating the Conference arranged for the immediate investigation, by experts, ,on the moralties of guarantees.

NOTIFYING GERM ANY. Mto.eiied This Dav at 12.25 p.m.) PARIS, May 1.

Early this morning, with rigid punctuality, Hie Reparations Commission notified Germany that she had not paid the outstanding balance of twelve milliard marks.

*• A GERMAN VIEW. 1 Pcieived This Day at 12.29 p.m.) BERLIN, May 1.

The “Vorwaerts” discussing the reported resignation of Government, says if they resign it will be a pitiable bolt. There is no conflict of opinion between the Government and Parliament such as forced Schiedcmann to resign, before the signature of the Versailles Treaty. The resignation means that the lenders of the country are losing their I cads and leaving Germany to chaos. SUPREME COUNCIL. ACTION TO BE TAKEN. (Received this day at 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 1

The "Exchange Telegraph” commenting on the meeting of the Supreme Council, expressed the opinion that the. Allies will erystali.se the business under three heads; firstly, preparation of short ultimatum; secondly, make immediate preparations for enforcing the terms if Germany is unwilling to provide the necessary guarantees; thirdly, preparing a military force to act at the expiration of the period named in the ultimatum.

It is understood the Allies now prefer this to marching into Ruhr and then entering upon discussion with the German Government.