REPARATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1922, Page 5

REPARATIONS.

FEELING IN GERMANY. LESS OPTIMISTIC. By Telegraph.—Press Ajbbd.—Copyright. Received Dec. 21, 8 p.m. Berlin, Dec. 20. Trade unions, in their journals, sharply criticise Herr Cuno for limiting his reparations consultations to employers and financiers, pointing out that the workers in industries must eventually foot the bill. Those in well-informed circles generally are less optimistic, realising that both the American and the French Governments regard Germany as able to pay more than the German experts think. FRESH GERMAN PLAN. EXPERT COMMISSION SUGGESTED. New York, Dec. 20. It is understood that Germany has proposed to the United States and the Allies the appointment of an expert commission to fix just reparations at a figure within her capacity to pay. France, however, summarily rejected the proposal. According to information given to Mr. Hughes by the German Ambassador, Germany suggested that the commission should be constituted entirely by appointees by America. This the Allies refused to agree to, upon which Germany suggested a commission with American representation. Germany is prepared to offer every facility to the commission to ascertain exactly what she can pay, and undertakes to give a categorical answer whether she is able to meet the figure the commission decides on. Germany feels that if the armies of occupation are withdrawn she would ba able to pay double the amount which could otherwise be raised. Washington understands that France insists on the payment of 132 billion gold marks, which the United States regards as impossible.