THE REPARATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 May 1921, Page 3

THE REPARATIONS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

, A NEW DEVELOPMENT.

'LONDON, May 4

The British Government and the Allied representatives have just received news that the German Government has tendered its resignation to President Ebert at midnight. Tim resignation is due to America’s reply that the German Note could not be transmitted to the Allies.

ALLIES CONTINUE CONFERENCE

LONDON, May 4. The Supreme Council is meeting throughout to-day. No communique has yet been issued. It is understood that the Council and the Reparations Commission have arrived at an agreement. ULTIMATUM TO BE SENT. LONDON, May 4' I The Allied Supreme -Council held a j meeting that lasted till after midnight lon receipt of ‘the news of the German Cabinet resignation. The Allies ultimatum to Germany will be signed this (Thursday) morning; and will bo then handed to Count St Hamar, the German Minister in London. SUPREME COUNCIL. THE SIGNED ULTIMATUM. This Day at 9.45 a.mA LONDON, May 5. Mr Lloyd George, M. Briand, M. Sforzaj M. Jaspar and Baron Hayashi, signed the ultimatum, wiHch was handed to the German Ambassador. Later in the morning the Supreme Council broke up. The French tion has returned to Paris. M. Briand, interviewed at Victoria station, said he was very satisfied with the results of the conference. “I believe we now have a basis for an expeditious, effective settlement.” STATEMENT IN COMMONS.

(Received This Day at 9.45 a.m.)

LONDON, May 5

Mr Lloyd George in the Commons, stated the conference just concluded was the most important and most momentous held between the Allied Powers. The latter, during the past year,

ad shown considerable forbearance to-

wards Germany. They had never been insistent of the letter of the bond, nor unduly harsh. Germany had defaulted in disarmament. There were still far too many machine guns and rifles un-

surrendered. Therefore France was lin-

kable to settle down, and was compelled to arm and keep her eyes on tlie eastern frontier. Germany’s position in regard to war criminals was quite unsatisfactory. The Allies had been driven to take strong action, not because Germany had defaulted, but on account of her general attitude on the whole question.

Received this day at 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 5,

Hon Lloyd George added that Germany at the outside had paid four hundred millions. Whilst willing to make allowance for Germany’s difficulties,

they must insist oft respect to the Treaty. He outlined the financial 'proposals, practically as cabled. The first series of bonds must bo delivered by July Ist and first payment of fifty millions sterling must be made within twenty-five days, either in gold, three months foreign bills, or Germany Treasury drafts endorsed by German hanks in London, Paris and New York. The next item of payment must be made in kind, including material for reconstruction of France. The sub-Commission of the Reparations Commission will sit at Berlin to supervise the collection of the export duty. PRESSURE ON GERMANY. (Received this day at 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 5. Hon Lloyd George added :—Germany must make up her mind that she could not keep the world in a state of uncertainty. It was a good thing for the German people to be brought up sharply and told firmly that unless they accepted the terms, the Allies will make them do so. Lord Ourzon, in the Lords detailed the sittings of the Supreme Council. The decision to occupy Ruhr had been taken with the greatest reluctance. He hoped personally it would- not take place. It would be only temporary if Germany would look the facts in the face and sincerely endeavour to fulfil her obligations. FEELING TN SILESIA. ltc<-i>iv»(l fiiij Uav nt 1 .'«) r. rn > ‘WARSAW, May 5. Bitter feeling exists against England and Italy, in connection with Silesia. The “Kurier Poranny” says Hon Lloyd George’s policy is the continual trampling on natiiftis. The old boy of the western world behaves towards the treaties he planned like a cynical Prussian junker.