GERMANS BITTER

Hokitika Guardian, 3 January 1929, Page 6

GERMANS BITTER

OVER RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED. (United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, Jan. 1. “The Times” Berlin correspondent reports as follows: “The German people feel most bitter because a groat part of their country still lacks the freedom which, we claim, is of divine and human right,” said President Von Hindenburg, when speaking at his New Year reception to the Diplomatic corps.

He added: “No country feels more than Germany the disappointments that have been encountered in strik-/ mg' towards peaceful progress. We are still sadly uncertain regarding the fulfilment of our justifiable expectations. Despite our disappointment, we hope that full self-determination will he restored to Germany in 1929, since the high ideals of mankind can be developed only by free peoples. Germany will always be entitled to use her entire strength to overcome any obstacles preventing sound national progress. The co-operation of all nations is necessary to attain this goal, which is essential lor the peace of Europe.”

OVER GILBERT’S REPORT. (Received this day at 9.25. a.m.) BERLIN, January 2. A chorus of resentful criticism appears in the press of all parties, concerning Parker Gilbert’s report, which is described as unjustifiedly optimistic, giving a false impression. A Foreign Office official expressed the opinion that the report would he accepted as a bibio by the Reparations experts, and thus ruin Germany’s chances of obtaining a reduction of reparations. Gilbert had ignored that the Dawes plan had worked smoothly, only because Germany had borrowed abroad, thus increasingly mortgaging the national wealth. He likewise had ignored that the plan rested on Germany’s maintaining surplus exports over imports, yet there was at present an estimated adverse balance of 125 million sterling.

FRENCH ATTITUDE. PARTS, January 2. M. Poincare told Cabinet that he had informed the reparation delegate that they were at liberty to sign a six power agreement, hut not outside the limits of the existing treaties.