THE HAGUE AGREEMENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 755, 30 August 1929, Page 1

THE HAGUE AGREEMENT

Every Problem Solved COMPLETE SETTLEMENT FIXED COMPLETE agreement has been reached at The Hague Conference on Reparations. Evacuation of the Rhineland has been arranged, and a full financial agreement reached. Thus, all the problems have been solved. (United P.A.—Ey Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service)

Reed. 11 a.m. THE HAGUE, Thurs. It is announced that the five Powers have reached an agreement with Germany. The three Rhineland Powers reached an agreement on political questions entailing the beginning of evacuation in September, and the completing of the withdrawal of British and Belgian troops in three months. France will simultaneously be evacuating the second zone. The third zone will be evacuated after ratification by French and German Parliaments, and the implementation of the Y'oung plan after which withdrawal will proceed as rapidly as possible, and will be completed not later than the end of June, 1930. This agreement depended on a financial settlement by Germany. Later, Germany and the six other Powers reached this financial agreement. An announcement to this effect was made when the meeting of the six Powers ended. It was then stated that a full agreement had been reached, regarding the costs of the Rhineland occupation after September 1, also in regard to the surplus accruing during the last five months of the Dawes plan. The actual document embodying the agreement is now being drafted. The first problem was solved by Germany’s agreeing to pay half and England, France and Belgium the other half. Britain contributed to the settlement by agreeing to renounce in Germany's favour a portion of her unconditional annuities The financial settlement also in-

eludes cancellation of the right of reexport of deliveries in kind. Germany reduces the export of reparations coal to Italy in the first year by 1,500,000 tons, and Britain thus benefits to the extent of 1,000,000 tons annually. The British Press pays tribute to Air. Philip Snowden, Chancellor of the Exchequer, who repi'esented Britain at the conference. “The Times” says he played a strong hand with consummate courage, persistence and skill. It says the settlement has been greeted, even on the Continent, with something like relief. Now that the battle is over, continues “The Times,” it may be hoped that the bitter words of the controversy will speedily be forgotten because of the removal of the obstacle which threatened to hold up the general work of the pacification and con ciliation of Europe. The “Daily Chronicle” remarks that Mr. Snowden has put an end to the European habit of bleeding Britain. The “‘Daily Express” says what has been achieved by Mr. Snowden at The Hague cannot be assessed in coin of the realm. This is not merely be cause he has eased the burdens of the British taxpayers, but because he certainly has prevented them from being increased. It is also certain, says the paper, that Air. Snowden’s countrymen are now prepared to accord a national welcome to him as the man who Las placed British prestige in the eyes of Europe on a pedestal higher than it has occupied since the Armistice.