WAR DEBTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 August 1922, Page 2

WAR DEBTS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. The time limit. LONDON, August 5. France’s time limit wherein Germany must give guarantees to pay the two millions sterling due on August 15 expires at noon to-day.

GERMANS PROMISE.

LONDON; August 5

Germany has addressed a further temporising Note to France on the subject of bet.ig given a moratorium. She reminds France that Britain and Belgium’s replies expressed willingness to consider the German request for reduced payments, with the other Powers, so i~at a reply in the name of all the Ah.es might be given. Germany’s Note says that Germany will do her utmost to produee the required sums by levies and points out, by implication, that the German Reichrath has already given a proof of sincerity in provisionally considering a Bill to further tax those most capable and linhic* to pay.

The Note adds that Germany collapsinfi economically and financially in the worst possibe way, and solemnly urges France to review the whole question, and to with-hold action until she confers with other Allies.

ACCUSED BT french PRESS

LONDON, August 5.

The “Morning Post’s” Paris correspondent says:—“As before all the previous conferences, the French Press has adopted rn attitude of making negotiations difficult. Previously it always demanded Germany’s strict obedience to toe text of the Versailles Treaty. To-day it devotes itself to reproaching Britain over the tone of the British reparations debate, alleging that it lias prejudiced the success of Monday’s conference.”

“Le Temps” protests that Mr Lloyd George by delaying the settlement of the reparations, has acted as an arbiter between France and Germany, and has prevented the former being paid, and contributed to Germany’s present position. ,

The “Journal Des Deliats” deplores Mr T.loyd Geodge’s vagueness, and contends that lie has not shown whither he wants to go and has merely produced a London fog around'the subject.

FRENCH LINE OF ACTION. LONDON, August 5. Regarding guarantees for the payment of the August reparations, it is improbable that 'France wili take military action. Reports from Paris indicate that France will expel Germans from Alsace, and will confiscate their property. Hugo Stinnes, and other German industrialists, fearing that France will seize their property in the Rhineland, held a meeting to discuss counter measures.

STRONG FRENCH REPLY. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, August 5 France’s reply to the German Note is a curt intimation that she has taken the following steps to protect her right. The French Government lias instructed Paris and Strnslmrg Compensation Committee to abrogate German tribunal for German property liquidated in France and not to notify Germany of t-hle amount of such compensation. Other coercive steps mentioned are the suspension of the restitution of German owned property in Alsace-Lor-raine, and drastic measures against Germans in Alsace Lorraine, which if they do not lead to a swift settlement will fie supplemented by stronger action.

LONDON, August 5. It is stated that since the despatch of the French' Note, Genua,ns living in Alsace-Lorraine are in expectation of coercive measures, and have been removing their property to Switzerland and other countries.

A GERMAN FEAR, (Received this day at 8 a.m.) BERLIN, August 5. Government’s decision to raise the export duties one hundred per cent in consequence of the depreciation of the mark, has caused consternation in commercial circles. Exporters fear they will lose all their trade. .