ALLIES TO MEET.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 December 1921, Page 5

ALLIES TO MEET.

PROBLEMS OF EUROPE. CONFERENCE CALLED. NEED FOR AGREEMENT, By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Dec. 22, 8.20 p.m. London, Dec. 21. The Downing Street conference decided to summon the Supreme Council for the first week in January at Cannes, whither Mr. Lloyd George goes at the middle of next week. The sudden decision to summon the Supreme Council has given rise to considerable speculation regarding the result of the meeting between M. Briand and Mr. Lloyd George. It is possible the statesmen failed to agree on the most essential points, and likewise it is possible they achieved a farreaching agreement. The assembly of the Council is imperative in either case. The Australian Press Association understands the first is most probable, but whichever is true, British statesmen and economic and industrial authorities are all profoundly impressed by the urgency of the need to bridge the gulf dividing British and French policy. Britain’s two million unemployed, staggering taxation and crippled industry afid commerce all demand the speediest remedy, which is impossible while European exchange and finance are in a chaotic state, and Anglo-French agreement is essential for this purpose. While the result of the meeting of the Prime Ministers has not been announced, the fact has emerged from the general obscurity that reparations and disarmament block a complete agreement. France is prepared to accept the principle of disarmament, but demands as a primary condition of agreement that Britain will guarantee her security against future German action. Britain is not prepared to go so far. An even greater point of difference concerns reparations. France says in effect that she is prepared to give Germany time if Britain will bear the burden of German default; in other words, “We don’t mind if Germany is allowed not to discharge her obligations to all the Allies if Britain will guarantee that we shall not have to wait for our share.” This attitude indicates that France does not appreciate the fact that while she is self-supporting and independent of outside trade for her life Britain’s internal resources are gravely limited. France undoubtedly regards Britain as an unlimited ocean of wealth, regardless of the fact that if Britain is still financially stable it is only because Britishers submitted to the most amazing taxation in the world’s history. The French people, on the contrary, are scarcely taxed beyond the pre-war standard. France made and makes much of her devastated areas, forgetting Britain’s devastated trade and industry, which is more menacing to Britain’s existence than the broken towns are to France. DISCUSSIONS CONTINUED. London, Dec. 21. The greatest secrecy is maintained regarding the conference between M. Briand and Mr. Lloyd George. It is reported that there was plain speaking on both sides. It now appears impossible to conclude the conference before to-mor-row, as intended. Certain difficulties have arisen compelling a continuance over the week-end. It is considered unlikely that any decisions will be taken, but a meeting of the Supreme Council will be summoned in January, either in Paris or San Remo, where proposals will be submitted on the questions of reparations and the pconomic restoration of Europe.