NEW CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 October 1923, Page 1

NEW CONFERENCE.

1 SC LUDING AMERICA

BRITAIN’S NEW MOVE. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, Oct. 2G. A tloud of light lias been thrown on General Smut’s reference to there being negotiations afoot to bold a new conference of Powers regarding the reparations, by the publication of important telegrams which passed a fow davs ago between Lord Curzon and Mr Hughes -F..S.A. Secretary). The British Foreign Secretary (Curzon) asks if the United-States still adheres to .Air Hughes’ declaration of last December, when he suggested that an international Conference be held to consider an appropriate financial plan to ensure such payments in cash. Mr Hughes replies in the affirmative He emphasises that the L -K. doenot desire' to sec Germany relieved of her responsibilities of the war, or her just obligations. He emphasises, however, the opinion that tile proposed Conference should be all advisory one. as “the Governments are naturally unwilling to bind themselves in advance."’ The United States, lie adds, reserves ils decision as regards participation in any proposed enquiry, unless the European Rowers are unanimous regarding the holding of same. ! i t,l Curzon. in Iji.s pivjiiuiiuiry mes* sag.', refers to the ineffectual proposals made to the Allies by the Bri-ti-n Government for a solution ol the ivnarai ions nueslioii. lie says lie be-

lieves that, if no common action is taken, not merely Germany, but the whole of Europe will drift to economic disaster. He, therefore, appeals for co-operation hv the United Stales Government. which the British Government believes is an essential condition ol any real advance towards a settlement. Lord Curzon also points out that tile United States is vitally concerned in a solution ot the European problems, ii’ only because il involves the quest ion of the inler-AUied debts, lie says that Britain had always lioart--11 x - approved of Mr Mugltos’s declaration of last December, but France lias disapproved. I.ortl Curzon welcomes a statement by President Coolidge that the American Government would adhere to the declaration of December, lie asks whether in the event of enquiry being held, Britain and a. majority of the- Allies could still hope for American eo-operation, even though complete unanimity were not forthcoming "at this end. ’ Alternatively he asks if America will co-operate, assuming till' proposed enquiry is entrusted to Hie Reparations Coinmis-

l.oid Curzon toneludes with a statement that the Rriti-h Government is .'[leaking in the name of the whole British Empire as represented at the Imperial Conference, and he expresses a desire to receive any American suggest ion. Mr ilu.'.ht". iu reply, insists that there should be no grounds tin any impression that, il a London ( otilerenee is called, it will aim at relieving Cerm.inv of her obligations, or that Germain's resistance to » ttillilment ol her obligations will be in anywise supported. Mr Hughes refutes Lord Curzon'.* a; giTiie'llt linn till' United Stales is in - teresteil, because < f her interest in in-ter-A ilied debts. Ho contends that the prin : tea bill ty ol i In- mtliO' 1 ' to secure ti,,- reparations am! Hie payment '>! the Allied debts to the United Suites constitute two quite distinct obligat ions. Mr Hughes adds: The United Kittle* cannot appoint to the Reparations t onimissioii a number without the eonsent of the U.S.A. Congress, but, no doubt, a competent American would be willing to participate in an Economic enquiry. The reply reiterates that the United States desires to loud assistance toward' re-esj ahlisliiiig peace and economic .stability in Europe.

CONFERENCE OF BOATERS. AMERICAN EXPECTATION. WASHINGTON, Oet, 2d Il is sciui-offieially announced that M. Poincare, previous to the publication. "I the Huglios-Curzon curresponcner. had informed Mr Hughes that lie would accept an international commission of experts to determine Germany’s capacity to pay. but they must, bo named by the Reparations Commission. The British Guvernmeiil have not yet accepted this latter I’caiure, but observcVix here, commenting upon the Paris reports that Franee and Italy In l lh officially announce I heir accepta nee of .Air Hughes’s plan, declare that an Economic Conference is now probable assured, and all the smaller differences existing between the various Powers will shortly he ironed ant. Official circles tli AVashingtnli "tillsidcr that a bridge luts been created in the European reparations negotiations of such a nature as may lean eventually to a practical plan of adjustment. This view is expressed after the French conditional acceptance of tin- British suggestion for a Commission of Experts was communicated informally to the Klaie Department. Mr Hughe', U.K. Secretary, had a private talk with Air Lloyd George tonight preliminary to a dinner in rhe British statesman’s honour. It is understood President Coolidge was to participate in the conversation. Air .). Pierpont Morgan probably will he the head of the American experts. AAI E RICA X INTER V EXTTt >X. WASHINGTON. Get. 28. AYith the United States officials already in possession of expert advices regarding Germany’s economic situation, it is believed here that a new conference will he possible soon, with America participating, under a distinct understanding that- the United States is not officially cognizant of the activities of the Reparations Commission. because it is not a party to the treaty of A'ersailles. DOMINIONS AND FOREIGN POLICY. LONDON. October 27. Special significance attaches to i.ortl Curzon’s memorandum to America n; which he says lie is speaking ‘‘ln the name of the whole British Empire, as represented bv the Imperial Conference.” This is believed to be the first instance in whit h in a despatch to ;■ foreign power the Empire as a whole has been so mentioned. Tt may bo ssimied from this phrase that it :■» a dear indication that, before tho despatch was sent, the Dominion delegates at the conference severally expre reu their views and their acquiescence in so grave a document, and that stress was laid on the fact that, in the tragic circumstances of Europe, it was valuable to the British Government,

which Ls so closely involved iu ite European tangle, to have the opinions of men from the new world, with more detached views expressed on the comnlexities of the situation.