REPARATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1921, Page 5

REPARATIONS.

COMPROMISE SUGGESTED. TRIAL OF PARIS PROPOSALS. ALLIES MAKE NEW OFFER. Ay Triegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright. Received March 7, 7/15 p.m. London, March 7. The second meeting of the Allied delegates on Sunday night lasted until nearly midnight. It is understood they further considered Germany’s fresh proposals, but the closest secrecy is maintained as regards the decisions if, in fact, decisions were taken. Some newspapers report on reliable authority that Herr von Simons announced his willingness to accept the Paris proposals for the first five years in order to give them a trial, the whole question to be finally decided after that on the basis of the Versailles Treaty, and in the light of that experience. Alternatively, Herr von Simons suggests the economic sanction outlined in Mr. Lloyd George’s speech, namely, a deduction of fifty per cent, from the proceeds of German exports as part of Germany’s scheme of payment. The Daily Telegraph says Mr. Lloyd George suggested a compromise of thirty-six annuities of three milliard gold marks each, plus an export tax of thirty per cent. The plan was submitted to Herr von Simons at midnight, and ' e was invited to state if it was acceptable. Herr von Simons deferred hi* reply.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. London, March 6. An unexpected development has occurred in connected with reparations. Herr von Simons has repeatedly requested an opportunity for a private conversation with Mr. Lloyd George, which was refused, but finally Lord Dabernon, M. Loucheur (French Minister), and M. Theunis (Belgian delegate) had conversations with the Germans and learnt the broad outline of the new proposals. Lord d’Abernon, MM. Briand, Loucheur and Theunis went to The Chequers and saw Mr. Lloyd George, who summoned an immediate meeting of the Supreme Council in Downing Street for this evening. It is understood the proposals are still considerably short of the Allied demands and cannot be accepted. 9 THE REPORTED SOLUTION. DOES NOT IMPLY CONCESSIONS. FULL BILL TO BE PAID Received March 7, 8.30 p.m. London, March 7. If the Daily Telegraph’s forecast, which emanates from a French correspondent, is confirmed, it does not mean the abatement of the Paris demands, as it is also stipulated that the Reparations Commission shall eventually calculate the amount Germany should have paid under the Paris agreement, and the’ actual payment under the new proposal, Germany paying the difference. This reported solution should be read in the light of Saturday’s conference between Herr von Simons and the Supreme 'Council, at which Herr von Simons claimed that a slight increase in the annuities would in thirty years give everything the Allies demanded, r “A mass of figures,” Mr. Lloyd George said, “did not seem essentially a new offer, but in any case the Allied experts would examine them.” M. Briand here interposed: “I am prepared to investigate claim, but it is useless to try to obtain a diminution of our demands.” Reports from Paris show that Frepch opinion is becoming nervous as the critical day is approaching, fearing that some unsuspected eleventh hour development would cause France’s allies to agree to concessions rather than to resort to extreme measures. French circles in London state that M. Millerand and M. Barthou telegraphed to M. Briand on Sunday: “French opinion will not tolerate concessions on any underlying principle.”—Aus. and N.Z. Cable , Assn. TROOPS READY TO MOVE. * PLANS FOR ADVANCE IN RUHR. BRITISH RESERVISTS WARNED. Received March 7, 8.30 p.m. London, March 7. The French headquarters on the Rhine have completed plans to advance into the Ruhr district forthwith if necessary. Certain classes of reservists in Britain nave been ordered to be ready to proceed to their depots in case reinforcements are needed on the Continent. — -Aus- and N.Z. Cable Assn. HERR SIMONS’ CONTENTION. BILLING BUT CANNOT PAY. London, March 6. Herr von Simons, interviewed by the Sundav Times, said that Germany honestly wants to discharge her obligations out cannot pay to the extent the Paris Conference demanded. “We desire,” he said, “to pay as much at we can, but rather than agree to the Paris proposals, which will cause Gernan economic strangulation, the nan people will submit to the penalties Announced. We strongly object to, the long term of 42 years, shackling two generations.”