GERMAN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1923, Page 2

GERMAN ITEMS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. FRENCH OPINION. PARIS, July 20. The “Matin’’ understands the formula of the British Note is regarded very favourably. It deals firstly with the devastated regions and postpones the big European problem until later. The “Matin” hints that United States might be disposed to accept a delay of about- a decade, before asking France to repay her debt. Britain could only do likewise provided America gave her relief for a. similar period.

REPLY TO GERMANY

BRITAIN’S PROPOSALS

LONDON, July 21

The Cabinet, after a protracted meeting finally approved of the draft of a Note to Germany for submission to the Allies. The greatest secrecy is maintained regarding its terms, but it is understood that, while the British attitude is being maintained, every effort is being made to reconcile the French viewpoint with that of the British.

It is expected that the Note will be handed to the respective Ambassadors to-morrow.

The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says that the draft replv assonts, in principle, to the Gorman request for an assessment of Germany’s capacity for payment by ail impartial body of experts, but carefully omits to specify the composition of that body. It also suggests that the three typos of guarantees offered in the German memorandum will ho considered without prejudicing the question ot their completeness or .sufficiency. The reply is not unfavorable to the German request for a conference with the Allies. It contains no direct condemnation of tlio passive resistance, hut it expresses regret at the calamities created by the Rohr situation. The reply is much shorter than the memorandum to the Allies.

Tlio “Daily Express” understands that a covering letter expresses the conviction that it is desirable to apjKiint ail international commission to investigate Germany's capacity to pay reparations, and it indicates that Britain is not in a position to ask the German Government: to abandon passive resistance in the Ruhr, because the British Government believes the French occupation is contrary to the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. The letter adds that if France is willing to refer till’ question of the legality of the occupation of The Hague Tribunal and to abide by its decision, the British Government worn! press Germany to abandon the passive resistance immediately. and also to abide by ’I ho Hague findings.

LUDENDORFF’S AGITATION

BERLIN, July 21 German gymnasts, assembled in Munich, were greeted by General Ludendorlf with a wild s|leech inciting to war. He said: —"Germany demands from its youth a burning love of their own country in a war of revenge against the enemy. Gymnastics is only a means to that end. Strengthen your fists ami your spirits. It is the spirit which raises the list and enables it to fall upon the head of the Fatherland’s enemies.”

THE BRITISH REPLY. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 22. Sir Joynson Hicks, nspeaking at Crystal Palace, described the British reply to Germany as an anxiously prepared document. It was a melancholy thought, that nearly four years after the war, Europe should still be in a condition of smouldering war. “We are determined to make Germany pay, but wo could not help realising that until some stability' were established in Europe, the trade world can never bo satisfactory.” The British Note has been received at Quai D’Orsav.

M. Poincare in receiving journalists refused to comment, saying: “If France disclosed the contents, England will break negotiations. Ijikctvi.se if Britain discloses them, France will break negotiations.’’ Nevertheless circumstantial details are in circulation in Paris. These are mainly on lines of ‘'The Daily Telegraph” extract cabled yesterday. The newspaper ‘‘La I.iberte" says: ‘lt would appear the chief purpose of the British Government is to secure. M. Poincare’s adherence by concessions on matters of detail.

“Le Temps” says that ft proposed committee of experts to estimate Germany’s capacity to pay is contrary to the Versailles Treaty, but foreshadows an eventual compromise on these lines. The Reparations Committee always lias the right to consult specialists of any country upon any request by Germany regarding payment.” BRUSSELS, July 21.

The British Note has arrived. Official circles maintain a silence, but favournble impressions continue. WASHINGTON. July 21. The State Department announce the receipt of the British Note regarding Ruhr reparations, but comment is declined. FRENCH APPROVAL. • Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 22. The ‘'Sunday Times” Paris correspondent says what pleases Franco is the fact that the British note is couched in such terms as will allow for important modifications, leaving tbe ilooi open for further exchanges between the two Governments.