GERMAN REPARATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1921, Page 8

GERMAN REPARATIONS.

A WILFUL .DEFECTION. DELIBERATELY ENGINEERED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—copyright. Paris, Dec. 16. Commenting on Germany's default, Le Journal declares that Mr. Lloyd George certainly has not lost the manuscript of his magnificent speech to the Germans at the London Conference, when he reproached them for their bad behaviour. He has only now to read it. The newspapers generally are not surprised at Germany’s claim for a moratorium, but are equally unanimous that she can pay at least the next two instalments, as German manufacturers have placed more than 1000 million gold marks with foreign banks. The opinion is strongly held that Germany wilfully brought about the defection. The Allies must try other solutions. Definite resolutions against recalcitrancy must be taken by M. Briand and Mr. Lloyd George in conference. FRANCE MUST BE STUDIED. London, Dec. 16. In the course of a reply to a Labor deputation regarding unemployment, Mr. Lloyd George said he agreed that the payment of reparations must hurt Germany, but non-payment would greatly injure France. He did ot desire to press an overbearing claim on Germany, but he could not face Frenc.fi. public opinion with a refusal to insist on compensation regarding rebuilding the devastated areas. In the House of Commons, Commander Hilton Young stated that the amount received from Germany under the reparation financial clause of the Versailles Treaty was not yet sufficient to cover the cost of the British army of occupation. GERMANY ABLE TO PAY. London, Dee. 16. The Times says Germany’s reparation proposals are familiar to those dealing with dishonest debtors. Herr Wirth’s Note amounts to an intimation that if the Allies now comply their compliance will be used as a precedent every time an instalment is due. There should not be any doubt regarding the Allies’ reply. The amounts were fixed last May after careful expert examination. A few weeks ego the Reparations Commission went to Germany and found that she was able to pay. It is the Allied Governments’ duty toward their own’ peoples to act upon the Commission’s decisions, which unofficial reports fully confirm. The German Government’s poverty is its own fault. It has been spendthrift, and has allowed or encouraged the export of German gold. Germans own half of Holland alone. The Gcv eminent has not attempted to tax the enormous wealth of industries. The Allies know that Germany possesses or controls sufficient money to pay the demands, and will not be cheated bv what M. Briand calls fraudulent bankruptcy. France is absolutely determined to enforce due payment. No Minister dare re- , sist the popular demand. As American feeling does not favor discussion of the Allies’ debts to America. it is now believed the Premier is not likely to visit Washington. Most probably an Allies’ Conference will ba summoned after M. Briand and Mr. Lloyd George have conferred in London next week. They will discuss the whole position of shattered Europe. Monday’s conversations will be exploratory, preparing the way thereto. Germany’s announcement of inability to pay necessitates some such meeting.—Times Service.