GERMAN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 August 1923, Page 2

GERMAN ITEMS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. A WHITE PAPER. LONDON, August 12. A White Paper issued, includes tho proposed identic note to Germany, which Britain drafted and submitted to the Allies and which France and Belgium rejected. Its main points were that tho Allies are disposed to think a positive advantage might accrue from the expert examination of Germany’s capacity for paynlent. That such* a course could put Germany’s allegations of diminished capacity to tho test of fact and remove the excuse for evasion was also pointed out. That tho economic value of Germany s* guarantees must largely depend on factors to which the German Note made no reference, such as the stabilisation of tho mark and balancing of the Budget. It must be clear, however, that no guarantee would suffice unless necompaniey by some form of international control of German financial administration. Further that antecedent to the reopening of question of reparation payments, the German Government would be well advised to put a stop to passive resistance in the occupied territory.

GERMAN STRIKES. (Recsived this day at 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, August 13. The Central News Agency, Berlin correspondent. says the Communists have presented an ultimatum to the Government that unless their demands are conceded immediately, hank note printers employees, water works and other municipal employees will strike. Ninety-nine per cent of Berlin industrial workers are now on strike. Communists are endeavouring to bring out the remainder.

FRENCH VIEWS OF REPLY. (Received this day at 11.45 n.m.) ‘PARIS, August 13. A high official of the Quai d’ Orsay states diplomatic circles took a pessimistic view of the British Note, which has not advanced the situation a single step. The British questioning the legality of the Ruhr occupation will have a very bad effect. Franco was certain M Poincare would refuse to discuss the question of the debt on the basis suggested, and would not agree under any circumstances to have an inquiry into Germany’s capacity to pay. Trance did not want to repudiate her debt io Britain, but the point must bo emphasised. that she could not pay at present, nor until Germany paid her what is due under the Treaty.