CUSHENDUN CANDID

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 461, 17 September 1928, Page 13

CUSHENDUN CANDID

BRITAIN AND THE POWERS RHINELAND EVACUATION VA R MEMORIES OF EUROPE united PA. — By Telegraph — Copyright) /Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service) Reed. 1.20 pm. GENEVA. Sunday. U the Rhineland evacuation dissuasions between the ‘‘Big Six," Lord I’ushendun acted as chairman, formrj: the bridge between the French and carman delegates. Nevertheless, he definitely stated the British standpoint, emphasising that Britain, in accordance with the ialtour Note, could not agree to ’tmiidating the claims of Europe, involving receiving less than she was required to pay The United States. Britain must avoid the danger of the French and German financial experts reaching an agreement, putting her in the disagreeable position of either accepting a solution necessitating neat sacrifice, or obstructing an agreement which might be represented on a £, s lß of European pacification. He therefore pointed out that while Britain was willing for the British -inerts to meet the others, her position differed from that of the other Powers, because she could not make financial sacrifices even at the price of ‘creement in other matters. Britain had already made sufficient sacrifices. He also insisted that the financial discussions must not include either a -Uggeslon or implication of appeal to imerica for any remission of British debts, which Britain was able and determined to pay in full. Lord Cushendun in the afternoon received British journalists and intimated that the conversations had been held as a result of Dr. Mueller’s request Lord Cushendun disclosed that throughout he had emphasised th.'it evacuation of at least the second Rhineland zone should be effected at the earliest. He had urged M. Briand to agree because of the bargaining value. The second zone was nearly evacuated, and it was not giving much away, but it would be a clear token of the Allied desire to promote goodwill. He thought we could then proceed to consider the whole reparations problem. If that were arranged, we could consider the evacuation of the third zone. That course was found impossible at present, apparently on account of difficulties in Paris. Perhaps what was arranged would prove mutually satisfactory. He added: "The outstanding feature of the sittings, after the first of which I somehow slipped into the chairmanship. was the good spirit between Dr. Mueller and M. Briand, and the real desire apparent to do something to improve relations.” Lord Cushendun added that he could not say when the conversations would be renewed. The first step with regard to reparations was the German production of a plan. Doubtless, they would lose little time in replying, whether the verifleation committee would give cognisance to affairs on the French side of file border. If Germany desired this it would presumably be discussed when determining the personnel and functions of the committee. MUELLER DISAPPOINTED M. Briand. in a statement to French journalists, declared himself very well satisfied with the result of the Rhineland conversations, and confident that the forthcoming negotiations would prove equally satisfactory. Dr. Mueller interviewed German pressmen, and expressed disappointment with the "meagre results” of the conversations. He had expected something more definite regarding evacuation of the Rhineland and the composition of the Powers’ Verification Committee.