Reparations.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1922, Page 3

Reparations.

IOSI KALIAN ANU N./.. CAULK AnsOl-lA 1 1(»“ MR BONAR LAW’S WARNING. -(Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, December 17. The French press accepts Mr Bonar Law’s warning in good spirit. The “Petit Parisien’’ says the problem nt French politics to-day is to know rr what degree to take into consideration the difficulties of our sincere ally, when it is necessary for use to give definite terms to our schemes. The “Oeuvre” says this warning that Britain refuses to he concerned in the occupation of Ruhr is more trenchant, because submitted with moderation and cordiality. The “Petit Journal” declares Mr Bonar Raw’s cautious, significant declaration deserves the greatest attention. He warned France that she might by separate action, makes the existence of the Conservative Cabinet in London difficult, if not impossible. In other words, a policy of friendly collaboration with Britain pre-supposed reciprocal concessions from France. A FRENCH VIEW. (Received this day .at 8 a.m.) LONDON. Dec. 16. M. Caillnux, writing in the “ Observer.” is of opinion the reparation debt must lie countersigned by all civilisation. That the conquered should be condemned to pay is the law of war, hut that conquerors and even neutrals should disavow pecuniary responsibility to nations who suffered for the common good is inadmi.ssnble. The Powers assuming responsibility would reserve the right to a moderate expenditure on reparations control and payments in kind, and to fix delays to which France has no reason to object, because she is sure of ultimately collecting. While the principle of solidarity of nations is not taken as a base, no result will he reached, except by accentuation of the divergence Between ((rent Britain and France, which gradually is leaning towards an enter-

prise of chance that will bring her nothing, only the complete disintegra-* tion of Europe. 'll ic proposal to create a buffer State of Rhineland is infinitely dangerous to France, to whom it would give a false sense of security, in addition to feeding Germany’s spirit of revenge. Referring to the possibility of reviving the Eranco-Russian Alliance as a precaution against an exasperated Germany, arming the Starving Russians, Mr Caillaux is of opinion it is undeniable this is one way of ensuring peace in Europe, and even preparing a renewal of a understanding between France and Germany. British fears that sueh a policy might lead to an understanding between France and people in the East prejudicial to Great Britain are exaggerated. Nobody ought to object to France thinking first of her own interests, which, especially in the Mediterranean differ from the British.

FOCI I REPLIES. (Received this day at 8 n.m.l PARIS, Dec. Mi. Marshal Foch, referring to Mr Lloyd George’s article, said he withdrew

nothing he had spoken or written regarding the Rhine frontier. “ 1,0 Journal ” points out Foch, in

an official memoranda dealt exclusive- , ly with the question of France’s securitv, declaring only the military occu- i pation of the Rhine could safeguard France from further invasions. It also recalled M.. Poincaire’s letter addressed to M. Clemenceau in 1918, in which lie asked for the occupation of the left hank of the Rhine until Germany fulfilled her obligations. ' It pointed out IM. Poincaire specified that the occupation wais provisional, and did not refer to annexation.