ALLIES TO MEET.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 January 1922, Page 5

ALLIES TO MEET.

EVE OF CONFERENCE. TWO PREMIERS CONFER, DIFFICULT PROBLEMS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Jan. 5. At Cannes M. Briand and Mr. Lloyd George had several preliminary conversations which are asserted to have been satisfactory, nevertheless the atmosphere on the eve of the conference is by no means clear.

France’s declaration that submarines should not be utilised in attacks on merchantmen has modified somewhat ths feeling of resentment against France over her attitude at Washington. It is realised that Britain favors giving Germany some relief over the current year’s reparation payments, ; n which she will have Italy’s support, while France sturdily opposes further concessions as regards the instalment due.

There is feeling between Belgium and France, and the former is likely to cause trouble. M. Theunis and his colleagues take the view that the total sum which Mr. Lloyd George proposes that Germany should pay this year represents only what Belgium, under the priority scheme, is entitled to. If Belgium is firm on this point the Allies will get nothing. , M. Briand accuses Belgium of pursuing a policy of isolation and warns her that she may lose the right of priority. M. Briand apprehends that, without Belgium’s support, Britain and Italy may enforce the moratorium proposal.