FRANCE & REPARATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1923, Page 2

FRANCE & REPARATIONS

CABLE NEWS.

STRONG U.S.A. feeling. [ UV TEI.EGtIAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION^ WASHINGTON, January 10. Tlie U.S.A. Governmenft’s action in recalling the American troops from the Rhine has caused keen satisfaction in Congress Senators Lodge. Borah and other Senators emphatically approving of the step as a prevention of the possible embroiling of the American forces in any 'trouble following French occupation of the Ruhr. It understood that France was warned —< several days ago that a protest, in the form of withdrwnl of the troops, would be’made.'if the French policy was persisted in. An indication tlnSt the Administration's policy was decided on without the influence of the Senate’s resolution demand the recall, is strengthened by the fact that the U.S.A. Army transport “St. Millie!” was two days ago ordered to be ready to sail for Europe at a moment’s notice Senator Rea, in a ‘speech in flic Senate, urging the recall of Mr Roll'll Boyden. the unofficial American representative mi the Reparations Oommis--y' sion. along with the troops, declared: - It is mere intellectual chicanery to pretend that a man can sit on the Board and partieipote in its deliberations, speaking for the United States, and yet not speaking officially. STRONG FEELING. LONDON. Jan 10. The attitude of the Gormans in the British area is vonomhusly antiFreneh. A large, irresponsible section of the population favours active rosistanee. The wildest rumours nre afloat. Fears are expressed lest the British and American troops hv withdrawn. FR ANC’E’S RR ESI I) ENT. R-tShs. Jan 11. AL Poinofire will speak in the Chamber of Deputies to-day. outlining the circumstance's of the rupture with Britain. After his speech he will move the postponement of Socialist interpellations regarding the occupation of Ruhr .and will demand a vote of conlidence. COM M E NISTS ARRESTED. PARIS, Jan 11. Three well known Communists were arrested ofi their return from Ruhr, RUHR INVESTED. PARIS. Jan li. A message from Berlin states tele- " phone communication with Essen is * suspended. It is supposed the first French contingents have already occupied Essen post office, and railway stations. The advance commenced at mid-night and the arrival of French troops "on the Ruhr frontier was reported an hour later. It is reported the German population is calm, awaitlingp din French ooeupntioin without apprehension.

AMERICAN COMMENT. (Received this day at 3.30 a.rn.l NEW YORK, Jan. U American press comment on the withdrawal of American troops from Germany, is chequered in pattern. The “World” says there will he general American approval of Mr Harding s action, hut again Mr Harding’s gesture is too late and too feeble to he effective, lie, instead of taking the initiative waited for the Senate to take the initiative. The “Cleveland Plain Dealer” declares a great many thinking Americans deplore the Government’s action, in arising at a decision which so definitely aligns United States against France, and Italy and render it impossible for any'useful American participation in the work ol solving European economical problems. . The New York “Times” says the as it stands amidst so many timer- . -,Until'-, is certainly not one in which \irei i'-ans can take deep satisfaction. • \Ye set out ostensibly to help clear p European difficulties. We, instead „!' demonstrating our friendship have demonstrated something which the ttovld will call exasperation, . because „ur advice was not instantly taken, and our plans accepted.” The Chicago "Tribune” considers action must lie taken as a diplomatic comment of dissent or disapproval of H;,. Ruhr move. We cling to the hope that some means may he found before imu'eis have gone too far to lay the foundation of a constructive policy towards Germany.

BirROI’EAN- POLITICS.

ROME, January 10.

Official circles in Italy maintain that, •'(■'lowing 1 n Britain’s practical withdrawal front Europe, the Continental

Powers must review the situation from a different viewpoint. Hence there is now the possibility of the formation of a Continental Bloc. This bloc would he one comprising France. Italy and Belgium. Germany’s participation in the bleo would be sultordinatod to tbo payment of a given sum within a fixed

period. The “Trihmia" says: Signor Mussolini i- feverishly working to secure French and Belgian adhesion to this plan, which is based on Germany’s willingness to es rry out fundamental en-

gagements. The “Uorrieie d’ltalia” states: Italy has decided to abstain from all paiticiption in Frnee’s military operations, but she will protect Italy’s economic interests.

FEELING IN' GERMANY. RERUN, Jan. 11

Government have ordered diplomatic representatives abroad to enlighten the nations regarding the real reason lor the French occupation of Ruhr, and to protest against Fra nee” s action to ploelaim the French violation of Versailles Treaty.

Herr Cnno announces tin* reparations payments to France, Belgium and countries which have broken the treaty wdl he stepped, lie says France’s action will have serious consequences. She is going to cut off that pari of Germany which hitherto paid reparations. Germany, is helpless, hut not broken l.v France’s hawless act. Extracts of Mr Lloyd George s lastarticle arc plastered on the walls of F.ssen and other Ruhr towns. There is great excitement in Ksscn and French journalists were attacked and severe I v mauled yesterday.