GERMAN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1923, Page 3

GERMAN ITEMS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CARLE ASSOCIATION. BRITAIN’S REPLY. (Received this day at 11.45 a.in.) LONDON', Auk 12. The omission was hardly compensated by the series of argumentative passages inquiries on points of offers of further discussions, holding out the prospect of an indefinitely spun out controversy, whilst the fundamental principles were only mentioned in order to declare that they do not admit of a discussion. It may perhaps Ih> said that the Belgian reply was not reject, as categorically as French, the proposal for fresh investigation into the Germans capacity to pay, but the consent of the Belgian Government. for such an inquiry is made conditional upon obtaining for Belgium

and France pecuniary advantages of a far-reaching kind, at the expense of the —Allies, notably Britain. Such a sug-

gestion appears to the Government to reveal a palpable misconception of the .» situation. It is not to he contested that there can he no use demanding from Germany more than she is capable of paying. What maximum she can pay is a question of supreme importance to all her eredilors. It is a question of establishing a fact, on the ascertainment of which any practical arrangement or combination for obtaining payment to the fullest possible must be based. Government, accord-

ingly proposed steps to ascertain this important fact. Belgium replies that she will not consent unless correspond- ' ing advantages are obtained for horsell and France. The British Government could not willingly enter any such transactions, while the Belgian note does not indicate any precise claim. Official and semi-official pronouncements by and oil behalf of French and Belgian ministers make it clear that the French wish to insist on a minimum payment of their twenty-six milliards of gold marks over and above the amount required to meet debts owing to Britain and l nited States and Belgium on a minimum payment of five milliards gold marks, for which or for part, they now ask a fuller priority, fl the estimate is made on a five per cent, basis by Cokanowski Rapporteur, in the French Budget, putting the present value of annuities under the schedule ol payments at 05 milliard gold marks, lie accepted as approximately the correct basis of calculation share of France and Belgium as fixed by percentages under the Spa Agreement, not to exceed 34 milliards for France and 5.‘2 milliard for Belgium. Even it Germany were in position to pay the total figures scheduled. Belgium is already under an agreement entitling her priority of pny- • incuts amounting to one hundred million sterling, has received approximately seventy-three million sterling, far exceeding receipts of any other power. Though this priority was given when the sum expected from Germany was immensely larger than anything now - likely to he received, it has not been reduced pro|>ortiunntely. 1 herefore .it operated to give Belgium an increasingly disproportionate share ol the actual receipts to date, fn addition she has been entirely relieved of debts to the Allies amounting to nearly three hundred millions sterling. France, on the other hand, when counting on receiving thirty-four milliard gold narks from Germany would have to balance this amount against her debt to Britain representing about twelve milliard of gold marks, and debts to Jnited States amounting to at least an equivalent of 15 milliard gold marks, w !nci together leave France a balance of seven milliard gold marks.

GERMAN AFFAIRS. (Received this day at 12.25 p.m.) BERLIN!. Aug. 11. Herr Ebert to-day had a conference with Cuno, and other Ministers at Ebert's residence in Wilhelmstrasse where the gates were guarded by soldiers, while outside Communists clamoured for a peasants and Inborn oi s Government. Socialists met and eided to support Communists in a vote on Monday's motion of no-confidence m the Government. Consequently Cuno proffered his resignation which the President refused to accept. Ebert issued a proclamation declaring it was useless for Germany to expect outside help. Strikes continue everywhere and the Communists have proclaimed a three days’ strike and are issuing posters which read “Rotten day’s work tor a rotten day’s pay.” They demand the resignation of Cuno. confiscation of foodstuffs for the benefit of the .corkers, highest wages on n gold standard, ami permission to hold public demonstrations. . To-day is the anniversary ol the piesent German constitution, adopted in 1919 ,but the fact passed unnoticed, owing to the internal and external crisis. . , Practically all eoal-niiners in Central Germanv are in strike. A strong force of Communists after poiimlering gunsmith's shop in Rndbor fired on the police, who retaliated killing four ami wounding forty.

('.EI!MAN CABINET. (Received this day at 12.25 p.vn.) I,ON DON. Aug. Herr Cuno Ims resigned. Stetomann lias been, asked to form a Cabinet. roiNC'AR ics .srnr.cn.

PARIS, August 12.

]\f. ,I’oinearo speaking at Marvillo Ardennes, said no doubt Cuno would oot. Have used the wild language in the Reichstag be did about resistance, d Hie Allies had been unanimous in showier their will in eallng upon Germany T ,ob to resist the perfectly legitimate Fninec-Belgiau measures. As far as we are not only sure of our rights, but are sure of our methods as in lhlß, on the eve of the military debacle. Germany is again seeking to ring changes' and as in 1018 wo have only to remain firm in order to have the last word. The nation desires to win pence and will do so. Y.mr dead demand it, and their will shall be fulldl-