THE GERMAN NOTE.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1923, Page 3

THE GERMAN NOTE.

XT’S PROBABLE CONTENTS. J AUSTRALIAN AM) N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. (Received tlli.s (lII V ill I 1.11 II.III.) * LONDON. .May 2. The “Daily Telegraph's" Beilin correspondent understands the German Note, in substance, reverts to the 'Bergtnntm |i|an. It will oiler a fixed preliminary payment of twenty milliards to ho raised by lean. Germany proposes to pay interest on-the "hole of this amount, even though only a portion lie subscribed. Si:o asks lor a moratorium for four years anil that site he allowed to retain, from the proceeds of the loan, sufficient to pay the interest, on the whole amount during this period, the remainder being handed to the Reparations Commission. With rega.d to further payments three alternative proposals are put forward: (1) That two additional sums ot live milliards each should he forthcoming according to the Rergiiifum scheme. (2) That a scheme of variable payments should he drafted by the International Commission composed as Mr lionar haw .suggested. (3) That the matter be referred to an international Commission of -some other composition. Germany nndei takes to provide legislative ami administrative measures to enforce the guarantee of private finance. industry and agriculture. Tt is pointed out that its tlie whole of the Government's property is already pledged, as a guarantee under the Peace .Treaty, it follows that the railway revenue could not he offered as a security to the hanking consortium, without the permission of the signatories of the treaty. Alternatives are also offerc I in regard to France's security against altack. Firstly, Germany's original proposal communicated through America with, however the elimination of a

mutual pledge treaty and plebiscite; seeonly, that France and Germany should arrange a treaty governing the point; thirdly, an arbitration treaty should he . arrange 1 similar to the Anglo-American. Filially, if none of those are accentable, it is suggested the safety of tho frontiers should be entrusted to an international body, such as the Rhino Commission. Germany demands tho evacuation of the Ruhr though this is now put forward as - the basis of negotiation. Also that all persons arrested or iti exile should ho released and restored to their homes.

FRENCH ATTITUDE. (Received this dav at 11.15 a.m.' PARIS, May 2. Newspapers generally condemn, in advance, Germany’s new reparation note, which they regard as merely an effort to improve Germany's position in the eyes of America and Britain. “1.0 Journal” declares France and Belgium require but one tiling from Germany and that is acceptance of the debt payments fixed in May 1021.