WAR DEBTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1922, Page 5

WAR DEBTS.

ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN. CONFERENCE AGREED TO. RELATIONS WITH FRANCE. By Telegraph.—-Press Assn. —Copyright. liondon, Sept. 3. It is understood that the British Government will gladly acquiesce in France’s suggestion to summon an Allied Conference to discuss inter-Allied war indebtedness. It is 'considered that the opportunity is favorable for a final settlement of the differences between Britain and France regarding reparations and war debts. M. Poincare's statement that Britain overcharged France for military and other supplies has been repudiated. Tn any case this is an infinitesimal portion of the debt. Probably the British reply to M. Poincare’s Note will remind France of the charges against British troops defending France, including the transfer of British troops on French railways and the compensation paid by Britain to French farmers for damage to their fields. A passage in M. Poincare's reply to Lord Balfour was: tf Tlie United States entered the war to defend the princi-. pics which were the basis of civilisation. Britain, like France, had to safeguard not only her independence and integrity, but also her property and means of existence.'’ The implication that Britain lacked America’s high motive has caused very deep resentment. An amendment has been received, removing the implication, but a section of the French Pres* bitterly attacks the whole tone of M. Poincare’s Note. Paris, September 3. Herr Klotz, the former Finance Minister, asked M. Poincare if the eventual reduction of Germany s exterior charges mentioned in the reparations decision would affect the French claims. M. Poincare replied that he would not accept any reduction in Germany’s debt to France.