AUSTRIA'S PLIGHT

Taranaki Daily News, 9 January 1920, Page 5

AUSTRIA'S PLIGHT

AMERICA MUST HELP, COUNTRY PACES STARVATION. By Telegraph.—Press Asuu—Copyright/ Received Jan. 8, 1L55 p.m. Paris, Jan., 7. The Supreme Council has informed America that, without hor help and financial assistance, the Allies are powerless to prevent starvation in Austria, and a catastrophe which may upset the whole settlement of Central Europe. Austrian paper money is valueless abroad. This has favored foreigners to such an extent that everything of value has been sold, and nothing saleable is left in Austria, A loan is the only remedy—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

UNABLE TO PAY SAURIES.

i Vienna, Jan. 0. The_ Government i 3 unable to pay the full civil service salaries, and it is impossible to collect taxes. Paper notes are rapidly dropping in value. World-wide interest is aroused in the matter of the disposal of the national art treasures. Two French members of the Repatriation Committee are engaged on the tremendous task of valuing the tapestries. . There are 12 millions sterling worth of pictures and sculptures, while the value of old arms and jewels cannot be estimated. There are also a million volumes of rare and valuable books, and tens of thousands of engravings and manuscripts. Even if the sales extended over a number of years it is feared' they would greatly lower art prices. The latest proposal is that the Allies take over the whole collection and hold it as security for feeding AustriaTimes Service.