WAR DEBTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1925, Page 3

WAR DEBTS.

FRENCH PRESS OPINION. [Reuters Telegrams,] (Received tliis day at 11.25 a.in.) PARIS, February 10. Comments in the newspapers emphasise the necessity for a time to probe the British debt proposals before France can enter on any commitments, and generally insist that the French repayment should depend on Germany's reparations payments. “ l.e .Matin ” believes the French Government will not deal with the debts without relation to the question of France’s security. If France must strive to assure her defence and increase the military strength of her European Allies, how can she pay enmities to Britain and the United States. “Lo Oeuvre ” insists an account being taken of German payments "The “Ere Nouvelle ” declares the nexlt Anglo-French .conference must discuss the question of security. The “Figaro” wonders whether Britain is seeking economic colonial advantages. The “ Petit Journal ” says the conditions regarding the abandonment of the French counter-claims in Britain and the obligation to pay fixed annuities, even if Germany defaults, are not acceptable. FRENCH SECURITY AND DEBT. (Received this (lay at 11.25 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 10. It is officially denied that there lias been any discussion, as reported in Paris, between Britain, France and Germany, with a view to a revival of the military arrangement of 1912 under which Britain preserved unfettered freedom of action. It also denied that the report of the Inter-Allied Committee of Control has been delayed in order to give Britain. France and Germany time to agree to a scheme for ensuring French security. It is emphasised that Britain does not intend counc; ting; French security with the question of the settlement of the French debt.