THE ALLIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 January 1921, Page 5

THE ALLIES.

THE INDEMNITY PROBLEM. “SEARCH THEIR POCKETS’ WHAT FRANCE DEMANDS, By Telegraph—Press Assn—Copyright. Received Jan. 27, 7.20 p.m. Paris, Jan. 26. Apropos of the reparations discussion at the Allies Conference, the newspapers recall Mr. Lloyd George’s speech at Bristol during the election campaign of 1919, in which he said: “Those who started the war must pay to the uttermost farthing, and we shall search their pockets for it.” The newspaper Ecla says it is reported that Mr. Lloyd George considers it would be folly to attempt to extract the full amount, and says: “We respectfully remind the British Prime Minister of his election speech”. Arising possibly out of these comments, a portion of the crowd witnessing Mr. Lloyd George’s departure from the Hotel Crillon for the Conference raised a cry of “Search their pockets,” and also "What about the last farthing?” In a speech, the Minister of Finance suggested that steps should be taken to give the mark positive value. Germany should be compelled to increase her postal, railway and telegraph rates, and thus make good the deficit. The German taxpayer must pay the same amount as the French, and regular taxes should be imposed for the payment of the indemnity. The Allies ought to control the German Budget. The Minister ridiculed Herr Bergman’s proposals. —Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. Paris, Jan. 26.

The Conference heard the French Minster's -statement with regard to reparation, but discussion was postponed pending further details. It is understood that the Minister emphasises the French view that the last cent must be extracted from Germany.

The reparation question will be discussed to-day. It ig estimated that Germany has already paid the Allies over 9,000,000 gold marks, but the Allied advances to Germany, cost of the armies of occupation, and the value of property, namely 2,500 million gold marks in the districts liberated from Germany must be deducted therefrom. Furthermore a paradoxical situation exists of the Allies having advanced 648 million gold marks to Germany.

GERMANY’S PROPOSAL. £100,000,000 YEARLY. GOLD AND RAW MATERIAL. Received Jan. 27, 7.20 p.m. Paris, Jan. 26. Whereas Allied experts suggest that Genpany should pay £150,000,000 in gold annually, Herr Bergman (head of the German delegation now in Paris), interviewed, proposes £100.000,000 yearly of which a quarter will be in gold and the rest in raw material and merchandise. Herr Bergman adds that Germany hopes to retain L T pper Silesia,'—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.

DISARMING GERMANY. THE ATTITUDE OF AMERICA. OPPOSED TO UNDUE PRESSURE. Received Jan. 27, 7.20 p.m. Washington, Jan. 26 The State Department announces that it has been receiving regular reports from thie British and French Governments regarding the German disarmament discussions of the Supreme Council, and when the reports are complete the United States will communicate its attitude to the Allies. Officials explain that the United States is vitally interested in Germany’s fulfilment of the armistice terms. The Administration believes Germany :•= disarming as rapidly as conditions permit, for which reason America is opposed to undue pressure being put upon her.— Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. NEW STATES RECOGNISED. Received Jan. 27, 7.20 p.m. Paris, Jan. 26. The Conference recognised Esthonia and Lettonia, but deferred recognition of Lithuania until the future of Vilna is settled.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. REVISION OF SEVRES TREATY, London, Jan. 26. The Central News understands that the Inter-Allied Conference in London will considerably revise the Treaty of Sevres. Possibly Mustapha Kemal’s representatives will attend. FINANCE OF AUSTRIA. Paris, Jan. 26 Certain experts favor a simple solution of the finances of Austria by handing them over directly to the League of Rations.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BOYCOTT OF CONSTANTINE. Paris, Jan. 26. The Conference has pledged the Allies jot to recognise Constantine and not to furnish him with financial or military assistance. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn, and Reuter. Athens, Jan. 26. King Constantine’s pay has been doubled to four million drachmas a year. Moreover he is taking half a million for each year of exile.—Times.