REPARATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1928, Page 5

REPARATIONS

FRENCH FEARS. A)F GERMAN PROPOSALS

(Times Service).

' LONDON, October 29. . The “ Times ” Paris, correspondent says what especially alarms French ■ public opinion in the German suggestion is . the idea of appointing of independent exports. The idea is considered highly objectionable, because the Government’s' would be responsible for carrying out the experts recommendations. These must therefore be under Government control. An additional cause of nervousness .consists of a fear that experts /might be under. German influence. The /, newspapers, are seriously alarmed on the ground that loop holes might be provided, whereby the reparations problem wouid escape from the control of the Allied Governments. The mere fact that Germany has taken a firm; decison to consult such experts, might influence the experts them selves, and thus lead to results favourable' to Germany. /.. ' The opinion is semi-oflicfally ex-. pressed that Germany is attempting to decisions which she .would describe as impartial, but which I* would regard as a further whittling down of Allied claims. Paris is anxious to make clear to the world that whatever' Berlin or Parker Gilbert d©; sires, nobody has yet been committed, to any particular procedure. . Each government must remain free~fo defend its own interests. . Certainly genera 1 opinion in France is that reparations and evacuation must be kept separate. If Germany wants an earlier evacuation she must pay for it. 1 ■ GERMAN REPARATIONS. LONDON, October 30. The German Charge d’Affairs lengthily interviewed Lord Cushendun in reference to Germany’s willingness to collaborate in the appointment of a committee of experts as agreed at Geneva, to seek a definite settlement of reparation problem. PARIS, October 30.

The German Amabassador interviewed M. Briand and expressed Berlin’s viewpoint that the committee should he of independent experts, not government . officials. ' '■ Following the Council of Ministers for a discussion of the question, M Lougheur told journalists that the government had not proposed in anywise to submit Berenger-Mell and CailleuxChurchill agreements ifor the Chamber s ratification. They were still dealing with, reparations and had. not yet yet reached the question of debts. BERLIN, October 30. Hopes are expressed here that France, when the committee is convened would, spontaneously .agree to an early, evacuation of the Rhineland. which would create an improved atmo- ; sphere for a revision of the Dawes \ plan.,, .