Reparations.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 December 1922, Page 2

Reparations.

IUSTJIAI.IAN AND N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION FRANCE AND RUHR. PARIS, Dec 25. it is learned tliat France renounced her intention of occupying the Ruhr, at ail extraordinary session of Cabinet at which M. Poincare presided. -According to a high authority the French will propose as an alternative the establishment of a Customs barrier between the Rhineland, the Ruhr and Germany, without annexation, thus reserving military intervention for the protection of the Customs controllers, and representatives of the other Allies. Tlie correspondent understands that such a Customs levy is the only manner by which France can hope to bo paid. 'Hie Toulon correspondent of the “Matin” says orders have been received directing a number of engineers to prepare to proceed to the Ruhr Valley to supervise coal production shsiuu France decide upon the occupation.

POINCARE MAY ACT ALONE PARIS, Dec 27. The Reparations Commission’s lack of unanimity in its declaration respecting Germany’s default is regarded as a bad omen in regard to the Paris Conference. It is stated that if the Allies refuse to endorse the French proposals, France will act alone. It is thought, by some, that M. Poincare: is rapidly heading for a position similar to M Briand’s when the Cannes Conference opened, and it is considered by these that he is tiring of the struggle, and will retire in the event of failure if pressed.

BORAH’S REPLY. WASHINGTON, December 27. Senator Borah answered Senator Lodge by declaring that unless tlie Reparations question were settled, and, with it the limitation of armaments was confirmed and broadened, then war was again imminent. He further declared that it was an American question, not a European question, in which the prosperity, safety, and future of the United States were all involved. That was why they should meet to settle it. The' United States was now more deeply involved in European affairs than ever in its history. For all practical purposes, the American Government was helping Europe to administer the Versailles Treaty. They had an army still on the Rhine, four years after the war. Why was the U.S.A. army there ? The fact was that they wepe doing exactly what the treaty which France proposed would have bound America to do. That was they were guaranteeing the territorial integrity of France

Senator Borali asked Senator Lodge why the American troops were on the Rhine.

Senator Lodge replied that ho did not know.

Senator Borah said:—“[ know 1 Because wo have substituted men with arms for our failing to ratify the Versailles Treaty!”

OPPOSITION TO BORAH. NEAV YORK, December 27

A conference of the Republican Senators has decided that Senator Poindexter should impede Senator Borah’p amendment, by making a point of order on the ground of its being general legislation included in an appropriation measure. If this point is overruled, the Republicans state that they will fight the proposal on itk merits, and as a last resort, will present modifications for limiting the proposed economic conference in such a way as to give satisfactory protection against the embroilment of the United States'in European affairs.

BOR AH AND LODGE. WASHINGTON, December 27. Senator Borah declared that" if there should he an outbreak at Rhine bridgeheads, the American troops would be fired on first, thus drawing America into another European war. Senator Lodge interjected that one reason why American troops were left there was because Germany wanted them personally. He thought they should he withdrawn.

Senator Rorah replied: “Everybody thinks that; but no one will vote to have them withdrawn.” Senator Rorah went on, “I venture to say that if the present conditions continue for another year, in Europe, there will be a conflict which is sure to draw in the larger nations of Europe, and I do not believe we could long remain out of any such disturbance.” He pointed out tliat the proposed conference could not take official action regarding the funding of war debts, because that power already was allocated to a suecial commission, which wag now functioning.

FRENCH ATTITUDE. . 'Received this dnv at 8 30 n.mA PARIS, Dee 28. The “Matin” commenting on Germany’s default, says France is desirous of acting in full accord with the Allies. but if a divergency of views occurs regarding the sanctions, France will act alone, taking the measures necessary to ensure the execution of the olan already prepared. “Le Journal” says AT. Poincare will most probably do nothing until he has placed the position before Afr Bonar Law and has appealed to him to make common cause with France. The Reparations Commission makes no suggestion of leaving the Allies ifn-

tirely free to follow or disregard the indications contained in the report. FRENCH VIEW. (Received this dav at 9.30 a, n.) PARIS, Dec 28. The “Petit Pnri.skn’” referring to the German default says only in the * improbable event of the Allies refusing to draw just conclusions from the situation, may France lie driven djßf ant alone.