REPARATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 March 1921, Page 5

REPARATIONS.

FORECAST OF ALLIES’ REPLY. INSISTENCE ON PARIS PROPOSALS. . ' I ■JIILIIARY MEASURES PLANNED. I ” 1 By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright Received March 3, 10.5 p.m. London, March 3. The Allies’ Conference, after a full liscussion of Germany’s counter-pro-posals to the reparations demands, derided to summon the perman delegates to receive their reply'at noon to-day. The newspapers agree in stating that the Allies’ communication to-day partakes of the nature of an ultimatum, with no two to four days’ time limit. They will not invite further counterproposals, but insist on the acceptance of the Allies’ scheme in general, though modifications in detail will be allowed. According to reports in French diplomatic circles the Allies’ deliberations i during the afternoon developed a certain amount of heat, M. Briand declaring em-‘ phatically that he would not entertain for a moment any reduction of the sum total. It is stated there was no diffi- # culty in agreeing to military sanctions, which will be presented with the ultimatum. The military measures will be graduated, and will probably begin by occupying Mannheim and Dortmund and later other important centres. It is understood the jurists advised that the allies are within their rights in proceeding with such measures forthwith. The Daily Telegraph states Mr. Lloyd George is trying to find a scheme of economic sanctions acceptable to all the Allies, under which a levy similar to per cent figures prominently, # but French insistence on the Paris agreement prevailed. / The Daily Telegraph also states that while city circles thoroughly endorse the principle* of making Germany pay, they entertain no exaggerated ideas concerning the amount lively to be secured. Consequently Germany’s ridiculous proposals produced little or no effect in the city. The Daily News states the American Government is kept fully informed of the London proceedings. This is probably significant in view of Mr. Harding’s accession to-morrow, as America is deeply interested in any proposals affecting German-American trade and reparation loans. The Daily Express Berlin correspondent states “don’t let us be bluffed” ifi the comment of the man in the street in Berlin on reading the London news, All the newspapers echo the idea that the Allies are bluffing, some adding that they do not believe that the Allies are able out their threats. Moreover, the Alies will gain nothing by usng force. political circles are, how:ver, dissatisfied with the form in whidi he German offer was- presented to the London Conference and blame Herr von Simons. It is rumored Herr von Simons las another plan, which be will disclose If the original proposals fail. The Berliner Tageblatt, bitterly sriticising Mr. Lloyd George’s remarks, jays they suggest the whole thumb screw apparatus of the Allies. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. STRONG FRENCH COMMENT. INDIGNATION AT COUNTERPROPOSALS. Paris, March 2. Newspapers unanimously express indignation at Germany’s proposals. The Petit Parisien says the Germans act in defiance and mockery of the Allies. The Victoire considers the only reply to Germany’s insulting challenge is the ipplication of the penalties fixed in Paris, and the sooner the better. The Figaro states that the penalties must be such as to make Germany open her eyes. According to the Echo de Paris the railways have received orders to prepare for the transport of reinforcements to the Rhine. The Petit Journal says the Allies will impose penalties, with the seizure of the Customs, the substitution of Allied for German administration in the Rhine territories, and the military occupation of Mannheim. A British naval division will occupy Hamburg. “WE HAVE DONE OUR BEST” London, March 2. The Conference heard the views of legal advisers and subsequently conferred with Marshal Foch and FieldMarshal Sir Henry Wilson. A member of the German delegation, in a newspaper interview says: “We have done our best and offered the uttermost farthing. The next move is with the Allies, who imagine they are going to enforce the Paris sanctions, for ■which there is no justification. We hold bow to the Versailles Treaty with its penalties in the event of our failure to C#rry it out.”—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.