THE INDEMNITIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1921, Page 1

THE INDEMNITIES.

! AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. GERMANY’S FAILURE. ! PARIS, Deo 16. j Commenting on Germany’s default, I “|,e Journal” declares Hon Lloyd ! George certainly has not lost the manuscript of his magnificent speech to the Germans at the London Conference, when he reproached them for their had behaviour. He has only now to read it. The newspapers generally tire not surprised at Germany’s claim for a moratorium, hut are equally unanimous that siie can pay at least the next two installments, as German manufacturers have placed more than a thousand million gold marks with foreign banks. The opinion is strongly hold that Germany ti-uRy brought about the defection. >■!:,. Allies must now find another solution. A definite resolution against recalcitrating must he taken by M. Briand and Hon Lloyd George in eon--1 fere net*. ' GERMAN REPUDIATION. A SCHEME TO EVADE. LONDON. Dec 10. The “Times” says Germany’s reparation proposals are familiar to those dealing with dishonest debtors. Mirth’s note amounts to an intimation that if the Allies now comply, it will be used as a precedent every time an instalment is due There should not he any doubt regarding the Allies reply. Tinamounts wore fixed last May, after care fill expert examinations. A few weeks ago the Reparation Commission went to Germany and found silo was able to pay Therefore it is the Allied Government’s duty to their own peoples to act upon the Commission’s decisions, which unofficial reports fully confirm. The German Government’s poverty is its own fault. They have been spendthrift. and allowed or encouraged the export of Gorman gold. Germans own half of Holland alone. The Government has not attempted to tax the enormous wealth of industries. The Allies know Germany possesses nr control!? sufficient money to pay the demands and will ho cheated, by what M. Briand calls fraudulent bankruptcy. France is absolutely determined to enforce due payment. No Minister dare resist, the popular demands, as American feeling does not favour a discussion of Allies debts to American, it is now believed the Premier will not likely visit TYh si lino ton. Most probably an .Vines’ Conference will he summoned after M. Briand and Hon Lloyd George have conferred in London next week. Thev will discuss the whole position oi shattered Europe. The London conversations will he exploratory, preparing the wav thereto. Germany’s ann uncement of inability tn pay necessitates some such meeting. FRENCH FEELING. PARTS. Dec 16 There is no doubt that Germany’s re Cl,sal to pay will cause a great wa." of popular resentment. Tt is Known that German industrialists, as dis” let from the Government are highly prosperous. There will certainly he a strong movement in Franco in favour of coercive measures. GERMANY’S OFFERS. (Received This Day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON. Dec 17. The “Evening Standard” ’ stands that Germany offers ten million sterling in January, instead of twentyfive millions and 10 t " 12 millions ill February instead of 121 LONDON. Dec. 16. \s a result of Germany’s reparation request, the Berlin exchange reached 000 and later improved to 930. french determination. LONDON, Dec 1/. The London “Dailv Express” Paris correspondent states- “Germany s refusal to meet her next reparation payment, has caused tension. The Reparation’s Commission may decide to invito the German Chancellor to produce proofs of Germany’s insolvency. H so. then France will, insist that all the Allies shall recognise her right, of priority in compensation for her devastated ureas. France needs ready money badIv. If Germany deficits, it is practicvnllv certain that France will put the military and economic penalties into execution on January L r >th. She "HI do so even at the risk of breaking up the Entente. The correspondent adds: Ihe unit way in which M. Briand will he able to save his Government will be to announce R marcli of French forces into the Ruhr Region. 1! FP VRATIONS COMMISSION. PARTS. Dec. 17. Tin- Allied Rcpartinons Commission lias sent a reply to Germany. It expressed regret, that the latter has not outlined what measures she has taken, following on the Commission’s Note of December 2nd. to ensure the payment of the reparation, and to restore her financial position. The Commission savs it is surprised that Germanv has furnished no precise statement- showing what payments she would ge able to make in January and February, and what period is required in which to pay the balance, and also what guarantees she offers during the delay. .. . The Commission states that, until it receives information on these matters, it cannot consider Germany’s request for a moratorium.