GERMAN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1924, Page 3

GERMAN ITEMS

LATEST CABLE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAUI.E ABBOCIATION

EXPERTS' REPORT, THE ISSUE

.Received this day at 945 a.in.) BERLIN. April 30.

The main issue of the elections for the Reichstag is: “Shall the Treaty of Versailles experts’ report he unequivocally accepted by Germany as a basis for peace.”

In Europe the supporters of the Extreme Nationalist and the German National Parties reply in the negative. The supporters of the Socialist. German Peoples. Centre and Democratic Parties’ reply in the allirniative. The Nationalists are also Monarchists and furiously anti-Semitic. They are expected to poll in large numbers, but it is impossible for them to secure a majority. Hidlierich's death has weakened tin* German Nationals. Herr Stresemanu’s German People’s Party, which is adopting the middle course, favours the restoration of the Monarchy bv Constitutional means.

A majority of the Centre Party, who are Republican, are favourable to the reception of the experts repot t and will undoubtedly inlluenee the electors in favour of Democrats. -Socialists and Republicans. THE RUHR QUESTION. (Received this dnv at 10.10 n.m.) LONDON. April 30. The Paris correspondent says there seems a consensus of opinion that as far as E'rancn-Bolginn control of Ruin,’ and Rhineland is concerned France and Belgium have agreed that there .shall he no change till Germany lias voted and promulgated laws necessary for the execution of the exports proposals. The two Governments appear to he prepared to reduce, in due course, the military occupation to invisible dimension, but are naturally anxious to preserve the Iramework of their organisation so that it can he again put into full operation, in case of need. Regarding penalties to lie adopted in the event of Germany’s default, these were not discussed at the meeting of M. Themiis and M. Poincare. There is reus., it lor believing that the French attitude in that connection is changing. •|.o Temps” shows a remarkable advance towards Mr .MacDonald s views, though its argument is not based on the idea of trusting Germany, but referring to Ihe approach of the German elections, the paper Jisl is —[s this the moment to discuss a programme of pressure. I lint is to suv, an Anglo-E'raneo-Belgian alliance against Germany, when German elections have not yet taken place. It the necessity for pressure is sell evident, hut even should the situation arise, it would he much better il Frame and Belgium were able to say they nevertheless had left nothing undone to promote a settlement. GERMAN BANKS FAILURE. LONDON, April 30. The Daily Express Berlin correspondent states a crisis among hanks continues. bankruptcies occurring daily. Banks in Breslau. Hanover. Hamburg failed yesterday and some Berlin linns experienced a difliciilty in settling their liabilities.