Reparations

Hokitika Guardian, 5 January 1923, Page 3

Reparations

AUSTRALIAN ANl> N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIA HO" FRENCH PROTESTS. (Received this dav at 10. JO a.m j PARIS. Jan I. The “Matin” says Air Ronar haw’s declarations regarding tlm despatch of Allied gold deposits to America. lias caused a most unpleasant sensation m political and lliianeml circles. Ibe gold was not tho property of the French Government hut ol the Bank of France, and should not be regarded ns a pledge or security. Tli© “Petit Journal” comments that yesterday’s explanations resulted in the beginning of reapproneiiniont. 1 lie change of atmosphere was noticeable. Millet, writing in llie “Petit Parisieii says: “It is still possible Air Bonar Raw’s detailed reply will put a tresli aspect on the debate. Nevertheless, no agreement can be concluded and the result will be that. France and Belgium will be unable to avoid joint militaiw occupation of Germany s territory . “Saucrwein,” writing in the “Matin” anys: ‘Air Bonar Law seems to regard a rupture between England and France unmoved. Hitherto be has madu no effort to dissipate the legitimate French apprehensions on an essential point. Air Bonar Raw has privately expressed the opinion that it rupture is inevitable, lie knows that Eraiice will be morally forced, under the penalty of losing for ever all hope of repairing her ruined lands, to enforce the pTodticivo guarantees in kernuinv’s territory. Air Bonar Law, while protesting against the occupation of Ruhr, in order to conciliate tbe l.iihoiir Party wishes to maintain the Entente question of the Near East. Saucrwein protests against the m(Oiisistenev. He points out that loyal assistance is being given by Barrere to Lord Curzon on Turkish matters, a. d devoted support is being accorded to Ohio by Barbernon. THE ALLIED DISAGREEMENT. (Received this day at 10.30 a.m 1 .PARIS, January 4. The Italian delegation lias assumed the role of Conciliators and have dratted a plan endeavouring to combine important points of French and British schemes. When the Conference resumed Ton-eta submitted a compromise. Jt is believed the French are unlikely to accept. Diplomatic circles are of opinion that Britain will withdraw from the Reparations Commission, if » rupture of the Entente results trom the conference. A special courier left Paris by aeroplane at two o’clock bearing an important despatch from Mr Ronar Law to the Cabinet. AN ACUTE POSITION. (Received this dav at 9.30 a.m.l LONDON, Jan. I. The “Dnily Mail’s” Baris correspondent says there is no illusion in tinminds „f British Alinisters regarding the speedy breaking np ol Ha* ( onfeience. One of the British delegates stated the main object now must, be to minimise as far as they can a breach of the Entente. Our friendship is no less sincere, though we are convinced the French plan is disastrous. No doubt remains that the b reneb will proceed with independent action. Me must formally protest, as we are firmly eoiivilied that the destroying of German credit will have very serious cons, queuees. CONFERENCE FAILS. Received this day at 12.25 p.mA PARIS. Jan. 4. After the Conference terminated and it was announced that- the AngloFrench viewpoints were irreconcilable, Mr Bonar Law on leaving the room declared Britain’s friendship for the French people was luinbnted, >L Poin. pfire reciprocated this sentiment.