GERMAN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1923, Page 3

GERMAN ITEMS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. fraxco-belgian reply. (Received this day at 10.45 a.in.) PARIS, May 7. The Frnnco-Belgian reply to the German Note was handed to the German Charge d’ Affaires. It commences with a denial of the German assertion that France and Belgium contravened the Treaty of Versailles. On the other hand several of Germany’s proposals arc in direct opposition to clauses nl the treaty. The reply insists that the seizure of places was done without the slightest violence on the part of France and Belgium and it was only orders

from Berlin that prevented the collaboratoin of German workers, traders and engineers with the French and 1 Belgians. Also that the German resistance was more active than passive and France and Belgium cannot conside any German proposals while this violent resistance continues. The reply declares that Germany's propgoals from several points of view are entirely unacceptable. The total amount offered does not represent a quarter of the sum fixed by the Reparations Commission and recognised by Germany as the amount of the debt to the Allies. France and Belgium conliot accept any reduction of the debt. They must have the money to pay for tile disaster inflicted hy the German invasion. The reply adds that while the devastated areas are allowed to remain in devastation, Germany continues to build factories in Ruin and elsewhere. France and Belgium will not tolerate the injustice. Germany is really demanding a complete moratorium for three and a hull years, 'ihcre is no guarantee that France’s milliards "ill he paid at the date indicated. Despite all the Allies have done to encourage Germany to restore her finances and stabilise her monetary system, the Germans give no indications how they are going to do this, nor what legislative measures they are prepared to take, nor what resorts they will use to guarantee the loan. France and Belgium went to the Ruhr to place a hand on their guarantee and iiio territory will he evacuated only ns the reparations are paid off.