LONDON CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 August 1922, Page 3

LONDON CONFERENCE

CABLE NEWS.

'AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. BAD TACTICS. LONDON, Aug 11. Well informed cicrles in ‘London and Paris agree that though the situation is still grave, the feeling is more hopeful. Every onj is most anxious to avoid a rupture with Paris. There is much evidence of regret that through a msitake in tactics on both sides, there has arisen a deadlock, not on fundamentals, but on ineidenrtals. It becomes plainer than ever n Paris that it would have beon perfectly easy to solve the main questions if they were approached boldly.

BRITISH COUNTER PROPOSALS. PARTS, Aug. 11. It is now semi-offleially stated that the British counter proposals to those of Franco at the London Conference are as follow’s Firstly, a conditional , moratorium to Germany for cash payments till December 31st next, secondly Germany to carry out her promised deliveries in kind, especially in regard to coal and timber thirdly a moratorium' only be granted, subject to Germany’s enforcement of laavs prohibiting the export of German capital; fourthly, the establishment of the autonomy of the Reichs Bank; fifthly the consolidation of the German floating debt; sixthly, that. Germany shall [permit the Reparations Commission effectively to control German finance; seventh!}’, the Reparations. Commissions to receive and keep in reserve the proceeds of a 26 per cent levy on German exports and German customs, which may eventually he placed at the disposal of Germany if the Reparations Commission thinks it necessary.

DIFFERENCES BEING MENDED. LONDON, Aug. 11. In connection with the London Conference on the question of reparations and a further moratorium for Germany, it is announced that on Friday informal conversations between Mr Llovd George, M. Poincairc, and M. Theums (Belgium) were continued throughout the day. The British submitted their ten counter-proposals. It is understood that an agreement was reached on six points. It is believed that Mr Lloyd George agrees to the principle of the autonomy of the Reichs Bank and to its administration on lines similar to those of the Bank of England, while M. Poincare has withdrawn the French demand for a customs cordon. The French press comment on the London Conference lias a decidedly hopeful tone regarding an agreement, but the London press is more cautious. Though hopeful, the London papers say no agreement is yet in sight. Mr Lloyd George, 51. Theunis and M Poincare considered the alternative British proposals for seven hours ' brtnin modifintions of them, which were suggested at to-day’s discussions, were referred to the Experts’ Committee for examination in detail. Cntil the experts report, there will ho no further meeting of the Premiers. Though an agreement is not yet in Bight, the crisis is perhaps less acute.

EXPULSIONS FROM ALSACE. - PARIS, Aug. 12. d The expulsion of Germans from StrasW burg began on Friday morning. Five ■ • hundred of them were conducted across the Rhine individually. The expulsions from Alsace-Lorraine nre being limited to those Germans who refused, or did not seek French naturalisation. A WIDE GULF. (Received this day at S a.m.) LONDON, August 13. It is reported the 'Experts Committee have reached a deadlock regarding the supervision of mines in Ruhr, and forests on the left bank of the Rhine. A semi-official Britisih summary states the situation is that the gulf is more pronounced than ever. The more the ex--1 ports discussed the proposals the wider appeared to lie the differences between them. The Premiers will probably meet on Monday. „ A FAILURE. LONDON, August 13. Sunday newspapers, drawing inspirations from Government circles, agree that the Allied Conference is going to end Lice its predecessors, in a temporising compromise; adding that the fault will be France’s because French statesmen refused to face the realities. FRENCH OPINION. (Received this day at 12.25 p.m.) PARIS, Aug 13.

Tim “Matin’s” correspondent suggests in spite of unanimity of the British Cabinet, its policy may not he endorsed by English public opinion. The task upon France is a big one. Tf the negotiators leave London on Monday without reaping the fruits of their patience, however, painful such a. necessty, it will he better than living in a state of uncertainty. The “Petit Parisien” says the attitude of the British Government has produced a painful impression on friends of England. The “Petit Journal” remarks: “We were never so near a rupture.”