ARMIES OF OCCUPATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 September 1919, Page 5

ARMIES OF OCCUPATION.

ALLOCATION OF MAINTENANCE. THE DOMINIONS' SHARE. By Telegraph—Press Assn—Copyright Received Sept. 7, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 5. War Office officials and representatives of the Dominions are conferring with reference to the allocation of payments for the maintenance of the armies of occupation. It is understood that the cost to. the end of March was about £16,000,000. This amount is divided according to the strength of the armies actually in occupation. Britain win receive about £15,000,000, New Zealand £OBO,OOO, and Australia £I2OO. If the amount is distributed according to the strength of the armies in France and Germany, Australia's quota would be £980,000, while New Zealand's would dwindle to £163,000.

Mr. Pearce, with Colonel Thomas (Paymaster), represented the Commonwealth, and Sir Thomas Mackenzie represented New Zealand.

Mr. Pearee has issued a statement that at the time the armistice was proclaimed the British army an Gorman soil included Canadians and New Zealanders, but not Australians. Mr. Pearce, therefore, raised the question of Australia's participation in the amount Germany is liable to pay, pointing out that Australia was as much responsible for victory as any other Dominion, and it was a mere accident that Australians were not part of the army of occupation. Therefore, as between the Dominions and Britain, Australia has an equal share on the amount paid. Mr. Churchill had convened a conference to discuss the matter. It is understood, adds Mr. Pearce, that Mr. Churchill will shortly communicate the Government's view on the conditions of distribution, _ It is understood that Australia's claim is not over half a million, it is believed that Sir Thomas Mackenzie strongly pressed for the allocation to be made on the basis of the armies actually in occu-pation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.