GERMAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 January 1924, Page 3

GERMAN NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. KIN ANCIA L QUESTION. PARIS, Jan. 19. M. Poincare, the I’remier, in the Chamber, reviewed the French foreign policy. The Chamber voted coiilidenee in the Government hy a majority of 254, the vote being—For 195; against 151. M. Poincare said France rightly had rejected the proposals frequently advanced by Britain to have the German debt revised. These proposals made no offer to compensate France for such revision by revising France’s debt to Britain. Regarding what the experts Committee investigating Germany's capacity to pay might recommend, lie suggested they might obtain payments hy the railways in the occupied regions being worked hy inter-Allied companies. France would agree to part of the prospective German loan being devoted to restore Germany’s finances. The hulk, however, must go to reparations. LONDON, Jan. 19. Official surprise is expressed here at a report from Cologne that the French Customs officials have practically prohibited railway goods traffic with the British zone, except foodstuffs and military transport. Comment is withheld till-further information comes to hand. T’he franc at Paris has lost ground, Saturday’s average being 93.75 to CL Later it improved to 93.30. British hankers in Paris expect the franc will remain some weeks at about 95. file French Government has been selling sterling at €250.000 a day to sustain the exchange. ' PARTS, Jan. 19 The French fiscal measures include a 20 per cent increase in all taxes, iuvd heavy increases in excise duties, also severe penalties for default, and reforms in administration to save a milliard francs a year.

ANGLO-FRENCH RIFT. LONDON. Jaii. 21

The “Daily Express's” Cologne correspondent says: “Crewe has asked Franco to explain why the FrancoBolgian railway authorities in occupied Germany are imposing a partial blockade on the British Cologne zone. The only exceptions are food supplies for the army of occupation. Even parcels by post are forbidden.” Apparently the French action is a reprisal for the British refusal to accept the claims of the Fnmeo-Bolgiaii railway regime concerning the use of the railways in the British zone. A GERMAN FEAT!. (Received this day at 11.25 a.m.) BERLIN, Jan. 21. What is regarded as the most significant statmeut relating to Britain, was made by Xlooffle, Minister of tbe occupied regions. Addressing a. meeting of the Centre Party ho declared Germany must try to reach an understanding with France, with a to establishing ft modus vivondi. Germany should be careful not to place too largo hopes on Britain, and her Labour Government.