WILL SHE RE-ARM?

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1933, Page 5

WILL SHE RE-ARM?

GERMANY’S STAND

QUESTIONS ASKED IN COMMONS

(British Offic'ul Wireless.)

RUGBY, May 15. - Questioned in the House of Commons, regarding the Disarmament Conference, Sir J. Simon referred to the postponement of the meeting of the general commission, owing to the recall of the German delegate to Berlin, and said that, in the circumstances, lie preferred to make no statement at the, present juncture. f ... Asked if lie would make an early statement in the House on the situation, to prevent alarmist rumours being spread, Sir John Simon said that if a situation arose which called for a statement it would, be made. He was later asked whether his attention had been drawn to the declaration of the German Foreign Minister, implying Germany’s intention to re-arm, and thereby breaking the Versailles Treaty. Sir John Simon said that he had seen the article, but could make no further statement, pending the resumption of the general commission.

Further asked whether the speech made by Lord Hailsham in the House of Lords represented the views of the Cabinet, Sir John Simon said that ho had no reason to hesitate' to answer but lie preferred to have the.question ■on paper, in the ordinary way. Asked whether lie could lay the papers before the House, regarding the Four-Power Pact, Sir John Simon replied that- the conversations had not yet reached a point at which he could usefully address the other parties, with a view to the publication 0 f the documents. Publication at the moment would not be in the general interest.

PAYMENT OF LOAN INTEREST.

GERMANY IGNORES GOLD CLAUSE

LONDON, May 16

It is learned in the city, of London that the German Government have decided to ignore the gold clause in the American issue of the Dawes Pian loan to Germany, besides ignoring the gold, clause in the Young Plan loan as previously announced. . The effect of American - going off geld is of interest to all Jiolders of -gold loans.” These appear to be of three classes. The first stipulates for payment of interest- -and .capital in gold coin of the U.S.A.- of 25.8 grains line qf gold. The second class stipulates for re-payment in - gold coin of the U.S.A, of that lyoight and fineness which,shall be legaL, t at. the date .of payment and re-payment, ;The third class provides the. alternative?, that: the debtors may make payment in the currency of their country at a fixed rate, of exchange, Australian dollar bonds all belong in the.(first-class.-. It is anticipated that any de-valuation, of the dollar will extend to such contracts.

BRITISH CABINET’S MEETING

TWO CONFERENCES AT ROME

LONDON, May 16

There was considerable activity yesterday in British official circles respecting the European situation. . It is possible that the Cabinet -will meet today, or that the Cabinet’s Disarmament Committee will meet, to which Major Eden will report. Sir J. Simon is like v to stay in London at present in case important decisions are necessary after Chancellor Hitler’s speech on Wednesday. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Vienna correspondent says: “The Austrian Premier, M. Dollfuss, is going to Rome at Whitsuntide to sign a new Austrian Concordat with the Vatican. Probably he will meet Chancellor Hitler under the aegis of Signor Mussolini, with whom Herr Hitler is due to hold a con--ferenec at the same time.

The slump in German bonds has continued.

ROOSEVELT’S WORLD BROADCAST

NEW YORK, May 16

The New York “Times’ Washington correspondent states President Roosevelt has decided to make a public adress on Tuesday to the peoples of the world in the form of an extensive radio broadcast, sounding a plea for the prevention of was through concerted action for disarmament at Geneva. He will also explain the extent to which the United States is willing to go to accomplish it.

GERMANY AND MORATORIUM

BERLIN, May 16

It is expected that at a forthcoming meeting of Germany’s standstill.creditor-:, the Reich bank will ask for a transfer moratorium.

PENCiON STOPPED.

LONDON. May S

Herr Schiedemann, the first Repulican Chance'lor of Germnay, has applied for sick relief of 12s 6d a week. He is penniless, because Herr Hitler stopoed the pension on which'he retired when lie refused to accept the Versailles peace treaties.