NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 January 1932, Page 6

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

EUROPEAN DEiVEiLOPMEiNT9.

THE LjATJjSANNE, CONFERENCE.

(United Press Association. — By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

(Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, January 10,

The week opens with dramatic developments on the European situation, chief whereof are Herr Bruening’s declaration, Germany’s Lausanne demand for the cancellation of reparation debts, and M. Laval’s embarrassments, owing to the death of M. Maginot. The illness of M. Briand, necessitating the reconstruction of the French Cabinet, led the British Government to propose that the Lausainne Conference should open on January 25, instead of January 18. France and Germany intimated their assent. France’s immediate reaction to Brueninjg’isj statement was naturally hostile. "Already there is a suggestion that the situation calls for a National i&overnmenit to face the attempt 'to tear up the Versailles Treaty. Bruening’s statement caused a sensation, in France, producing allegations that Bruening torpedoed the Lausanne Conference.

A later official Berlin statement agreed upon the holding of the Lausanne Conference on January 25. It confirmed the declaration, Mr Rumbold adding that any attempt to maintain reparations must lead to disaster, not only to Germany, hut the world at large. It was. imperative to find courage not to allow economic problems to he subjected to political considerations. Referring to the Basle report, he declared: “This has not only proved Germany’s inability to pay, but algo how clearly reparations are connected with the general situation; how thoroughly conditions have changed since the Young Plan was introduced, and moreover shows that Germany has taken measures unparalleled in modern history.” It hajs a effort.” Bruening lias invited Hindenburg (Nationalist leader) to confer regarding the extension of Hindenburg’s presidency. Hie answer has been deferred until January 11. SUPPORT FOR BRUENING. BERLIN, January 10. The . entire press supports Herr Bruening’s courage and determination, and promises him and Hindenburg the nation’s support in the forthcoming foreign political battles. The papers deprecate the foreign excitement since Bruening has disclosed nothing new.