THE REPARATION QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 February 1919, Page 5

THE REPARATION QUESTION.

A STRONG MEMORANDUM. REFERRED TO SUB-COMMITTEE. GERMANY PROFITING BY DELAY. Received Feb. 10, 8.30 p.m. Paris, Feb. 8. A number of memoranda have reached the Reparation Commission, including a striking report detailing Serbia's financial ruin. France states that one-third of her factories were destroyed by the war. Mr. Hughes presented the British memorandum setting out the whole cost of the war, including that of the Dominions, and arguing for an interpretation of the fourteen points as permitting the repayment of the war's expenses to the limit of Germany's capacity. This memorandum, which was framed by a strong committee in London, including the great bankers, is regarded as convincing. It does not prevent the Dominions from presenting separate memoranda. The commission appointed sub-com-mittees for examining: (1) The amounts due from Germany; (2) Germany's financial ability; (3) how payment can be guaranteed. The newspaper Le Temps declared that Germany is strengthening by a growing national sentiment and there is actual military danger. Le Temps fears that the departure of President Wilson, Mr. Lloyd George, and Signor Orlando will lead to slow peace progress, whilst the increasing speed of the Allied demobilisation is making Germany constantly stronger. The French do not oppose feeding Germany and Austria. Indeed, heartrending accounts are reaching Paris about the utter famine at Vienna and parts of Germany, which have stimulated general action. People are dying in the streets of Vienna, and women and children are fainting as they try to work to earn a high-priced crust.—United Service. THE REPARATION COMMISSION, HUGHES TO ARGUE EMPIRE'S CAUSE. Received Feb. 10, 5.5 p.m. Paris, Feb. 0. The British Reparation Commission, of which Mr. Hughes is chairman, settled its definition of the word "reparation." Mr. Hughes, who is consulting his Government, will subsequently submit Aus: tralia's claim, and when the Allied Reparation Commission's report is furnished to the conference, Mr. Hughes will argue the British Empire's case.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc. WOMEN DESIRE TO BE HEARD. ON PEACE PROBLEMS. Received 11, 1.35 a.m. London, Feb. !). The Countess of Aberdeen, president of the Women's International Council, has requested that the Peace Conference will hear the Council's delegation oa peace problems.—Aus-NZ. Cable Assoc.