THE INDEMNITIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 December 1921, Page 1

THE INDEMNITIES.

• ANGLO-FRENCH RUPTURE. IUSTRAI.IAN AND N.Z. CAIII.E ASSOCIATION. LONDON, Dec. 1. “Westminster Gazettes” Paris correspondent discussing the Anglo-French situation, says:—“The trouble is deep rooted. Sometimes the relationship is more strained than in the Fashoda days. The truth is we have been pulling in different directions. There has been a tight for domination. Franco has long been impressed with the idea that England has been trying to drag her at the English chariot wheels. She lists felt humiliated at her concessions to the English viewpoint, and complains she has always been the partner to give way. Rile is extremely susceptible to any suggestion that she dioiild play second fiddle. Rite is inclined now to fly to extremes, and to insist’that she l:e followed by England, Germany, and Russia. I, is only the French ease that "as consecrated at Washington. If Anierim is psychologiev|L uisc, she "ill not confine disat • icMic-ni pio|Mis.i|s io flic three navies. I .-.moot too si i.mgly emphasise that inoi' l ■ audition should he paid to the mental make up of 1' ranee. Most ol us are victims of a fallacy that matteis can he mended if we do something. Era me itches for action. M. Briand is playing straight into the alarmists bands in proclaiming the danger of early German “revanche.” lie Hsis pbeiul himself in a most difficult jMisilicii. If be does not want to break the Entente, with yiost disastrous results to the whole of Europe, l think he will manage to pour oil on the waters, now more troubled than they lntve been since the Armistice.'

FRENCH ANTIPATHY. LONDON, Dec. 1

The “Daily Express” continues to emphasise wiial it calls the danger of a dissolution of the Entente. Tt demands Lord Uurzim’s dismissal from office as Foreign Minister, ami in the most seven' terms. Tt says: The Paris revue artists caricature Mr Lloyd George uiglillv. ropiosouting him offensively as “Litfie Tirh.” Similar att;,,l,s on the British are almost .univerS :,| jo Fieiuli places of amusement. They lijipaieiilly give pleasure.

ANGLO-GERMAN CONFABS. LONDON, Dec. 1. It is understood Hint Herr Rathcnau took some striking proposals to London. It is presumed that lie is engaged in frankly urging the British Government to drop definitely all its demands for reparation payments m money or kind, and agree rather to consider schemes which would advance British economic interests, tints achieving what the payments would, do. The scheme doubtless includes, firstly an Anglo-German plan for the exploitation oF Russia, as cabled on November ’JO; secondly, the utilisation nl German labour and mechanical skill 111 British overseas colonial enterprises. The moratorium question is regarded as a side issue in the negotiations.

It ATIiKNAF’R All SSI on. LONDON. Doe. 1. Hen Rathemm’s financial success would strengthen AVirth’s Government alike against the reactionaries and the industrials under Stinnes, who persists in pressing anti-democratic conditions before agreeing to help the Goveniment to raise credits to meet Hie reparations. , PARIS, Dee. 1

There is a feeling in French official circles that France should have been Consulted Wore Heir ILiHieimii visited London. Air Churchill's speech staling Britain relies on her Dominions may clear the situation. “|,e Temps" notes appreciatively Air (‘luti( hill’s deelaration that England cannot make friends with Germany a the expense of a Ii tend. CAN GERMANY PAY? LONDON. Nov. :«>

The “Times" in a leading article, states: The old story of Germany’s inability to meet her reparation engagements is being relieated i" l-'"" 1 ”" with growing vehemence as pay day approaches. H is alleged that fie, many’s powei to pay her January and bebru•,rv instalments depends oil her oluaiiiAllied loans. AYe are retunimg to lbe old German claim that the '1 reaty of Versailles must be revised. The best outside opinion holds that Geimany not nfilv is well aide to pay Hie next msiaiu.eiits, hut possesses vast hoards of wealth abroad. It is Germany's business to make the owneis of tins wealth disgorge. The Allies are nut concerned with methods. All they have to care lor is punctual payment. It is Germany. not Stinnes and other multimillionaires. which is indebted to the Allies. , ~ GERMANY PREPARER TO RAISE AIONKY.

BERLIN. Nov. .‘tn,

Hen Hugo Stinnes Ims reported the result of his visit >" Enudon to a meeting of the Imperial Union ol German Industries, whieli decided to adopt a proposal of the Chancellor, Hen Wirth. and appoint a eummiltec ol six iiii'ineiers and industrialists, me., who I )oU rl, with British and America,, economic circles, with a vtew to opening credits, not merely l<* ||,e .lanuarv reparation pavments. Imt find new met hods of payment and In prevent Germany again falling >nt<> a condition that would make default possible.