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Hokitika Guardian, 9 June 1923, Page 3

LATEST CABLE NEWS

GERMAN ITEMS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. GHUMAN NOTE. TEXT ISSUED. LONDON, June 7. The text lies been issued of the German Note. The first request is that a conference bo, held to discuss the best method of payin'; the reparations, Germany’s liability for which being again acknowledged. The Note reiterates Germany's willingness to accept the decision of an impartial International Tribunal, to which she will willingly supply all available information from which Germany’s capacity to pay can reliably Ire judged. The Note proposes the following guarantees as part ol a definite 10paration settlement: —(l) The railway system be hold in a separate fund and obligations lie issued up to ten milliard gold marks, carrying interest at five per cent from July Ist, 192,1, thus securing an annual payment ol fire hundred million marks.

Secondly, a first mortgage of 10 milliards of gold marks, on industrial real estate.

Thirdly, 200,000,000 gold marks to be raised from Customs duties on imported consumable articles (other than necessaries), and from the excise on tobacco, wine, beer, sugar, and receipts from the State spirits monopoly. This yield will automatically increase.

CHANGED BRITISH ATTITUDE. LONDON, June 7. The “Daily Express’’ understands that it is not improbable that the British attitude towards Germany will become less conciliatory if the passive resistance in the Ruhr continues, particularly since Germany has repeatedly disregarded friendly advice from this country in the course of negotiations. AMERICAN HOPES. WASHINGTON, June 7. There is considerable optimism in official circles here over the latest German reparations proposals, a copy whereof the German Ambassador has handed Mr Hughes to-day. It is felt ‘bat, the Allies and Germany are gradually approaching a condition whero a meeting of mind and mind will occur. Sentiment also favours the German suggestion that a conference should bo called to determine Germany’s ''■ability to pay. It is hoped such a conference will occur whereat it would also be possible to consider general economic problems, fix guarantees, and reach a conclusive settlement of the entire situation, which is considered the cause of the European economic chaos. BRITISH PRESS COMMENT. LONDON, Juno 8 The “Morning Post” says: The German offer is a great improvement on its predecessor. We regard the note as a possible basis for discussion by the whole of the Allies. Such a reunion would be highly desirable and indeed is a necessity. 'The “Daily Chronicle” says: The offer conforms to British requirements. What is needed is a new conference between the Allies and Germany. The “Daily Express” declares:—

The crux of the business is still the _ total amount to bo paid. There is no advance on the offer of 1,500,000,000, which is inadequate. The “Westminster Gazette” says:— Piecemeal payment will not satisfy the ■ Allies.

JAPAN FRIENDLY. BERLIN, June 7. Itofen berry, addressing newspaper representatives, said the sympathetic answer to the last Germany not© came from Japan, whence it was least expected. As Germany was in such a piteous condition that she could not afford the telegraphic fees to Tokio, the Japanese Embassy sent a new note at its own expense. THE BAVARIAN TRIAL. ALLEGED FRENCH PLOT. LONDON, June 7. Remarkable evidence was given byMajor Alahr at the resumed trial at Munich of Professor Fuchs and others for an alleged conspiracy to separato Bavaria from the Reich (as cabled June sth). Major Alahr said ho met the French Colonel Richart, who explained to him that France, as the strongest power in the world, could do what she liked. France wished for peace and quietness for the next 50 years. Therefore she needed the Rhine frontier. They discussed a plot for two liours. Richart said a rising must take place quickly. Only M. Poincare, M. Millerand, General Buat, Monsieur I.enail and himself on the French side were in the secret. Outwardly, France would bo obliged to adopt a hostile attitude, but nevertheless the conspirators would receive all the help they wanted. Richart said the Ruhr Army had instructions to support a rising. He added that action in the Ruhr would come opportunely for France, as otherwise a reduction would have been necessary. The- plan was that Bavaria should be joined to Austria, though Vienna would he given to the Czecho-Slovaks. The Tyrol, AYurtemburg, Baden, Hessa, Hanover and Bremen would form a new Rhine Confederation, and the whole west bank of the Rhine would then become I'rench. There naturally was much speculation as to the motive for a trial which is so compromising to many of the Government’s chief supporters. One reason given is a desire to cause trouble among the Allies by a disclosure of the French policy. It is significant that Berlin papers give oidy the most meagre reports- of tho trial, which is continuing.

FRENCH OPINION

(Received this day at 8.30 a.m.) PARTS, June 8. The newspapers are practically unanimous that the Gorman proposals are unacceptable. Tim ‘'Petit Journal” after referring in prudent terms to the slight advance in the Note, says unfortunately the guarantees offered are preceded and followed by unacceptable suggestions. The obvious puipose of the Note is by pretence of general goodwill on the question of reparations to obtain an international conference, at which they will barter The “Petit Parisien” remarks it is

difficult to imagine a more vague document or one less satisfactory. There can he no question this time of a long detailed answer. The “Matin” says the Reich having omitted completely to allude to passive resistance, it is pobablo the Note will he considered absolutely null.