OCCUPIED TERRITORY.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 March 1922, Page 5

OCCUPIED TERRITORY.

AMERICA’S CLAIM, FOR COST OF ARMY. STRONG NOTE TO ALLIES. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received March 23, 9.5 p.m. IjVashington, March 22. It is understood that America’s note to Britain, France, Italy, Belgium and Japan states that the recognition and granting of the United States’ claim for the cost of occupying the Rhine territory is doubly binding on the Allies, since it was at the urgent solicitation of the Allies that American troops were kept in Germany; also there was a solemn agreement between the Allies and Associated Powers that payment of the cost of the armies of occupation should constitute a first lien on ’German assets, which understanding always contemplated the payment of American costs. The note adds: “Since Germany has not objected, there seems to be no basis for Allied objections.”

TERMS OF THE NOTE. A STRONG ARGUMENT. Received March 23, 9.30 p.m. Washington, March 22. The State Department, in a note to the Allies, pointe out that, they cannot raise a technical objection to the United States receiving a share of the cost of occupation of German territory, on the ground that she is not a signatory to the Versailles Treaty, in view of the fact that Germany explicitly consented to priority being given to American costs, notwithstanding that she had not ratified the Versailles Treaty. The note also points out that the United States will welcome the Allies’ suggestions for a reasonable adjustment of the matter, but, pending such considerations, the United States hopes the Allies will refrain from the distribution of the funds to the exclusion of the United States.

NEW ARMISTICE PROPOSAL. FOR EXERCISING CONTROL. Received March 23, 7.50 pan. Paris, March 23. Lord Curzon submitted an armistice proposal which was agreed to unanimously. It provides that an Allied commission, acting under Allied direction, be attached to each army, and empowered to control the execution of the armistice conditions, and to intervene with the occupying authorities to protect the people and property in the occupied territory. A belligerent not desiring to renew the armistice must notify the other and Allied representatives fifteen days before the armistice terminates.

GERMAN LAW-BREAKER SHOT. Received March 23, 7.50 p.m. Brussels, March 22. Belgian soldiers shot a German officer, in the occupied territory, who was bearing arms contrary to orders. They pointed out the fact, and the German knocked a Belgian down. Another Belgian came to his comrade’s assistance and shot the German with a revolver.