PEACE PROBLEMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17989, 16 July 1920, Page 5

PEACE PROBLEMS

THE SPA CONFERENCE. QUESTION OF COAL DELIVERY. Press Association—By Telograph—Copyright. SPA, July 13. The conference communique states: Dr ton Simons advanced tho serious difficulties facing the Gernurn Government as regard delivering a greater coal tonnage, antil the Government has obtained the owners' and miners' assent to an increase in the output. He submitted the German proposals for the delivery of 56,0C0 tons per working day from next October, and 68,000 tons daily from October, 1921, conditionally on the possibility of improving the feeding and housing of the workmen. The Belgian Premier expressed on behalf of the Allies their deep disappointment, and said the reply created a grave situation. He reminded Dr von Simons that the Reparations Commission had already reduced the original treaty provisions as regards coal, and also reminded him of the Allies' willingness to still hear German explanations and offers. He added that, in view of the German Government's attitude, which took aocount neither of treaty reparations nor of the Reparation Commission's programme, and made totally inadequate offers, the conference would be suspended to enable the Allies to examine the situation. The communique concludes: Marshal . Foch and Sir HenTy Wilson will be summoned to Spa for matters of extreme urgency.—A. and N.Z. Cable. PARIS, July 14. The newspapers applaud _Mr .Lloyd George's attitude. Le Matin states it was he who suggested that Marshal Foch and Sir Henry Wilson be summoned to Spa.—A. and N.Z. Cable. GERMAN RESISTANCE. RUPTURE I NEGOTIATIONS ALLIES MAY OCCUPY RUHR VALLEY. SPA, July 14. Marshal Foch has aj-rived. The Germans declare that they will wait and see what the Entente does. The Allies Tetort that tjiey will occupy the Ruhr Valley rather than accept Dr von Simon's proposals. Herr Stinnes is regarded as the chief German irritant and is the directing hand behind the German delegation, especially as Dr von Simons was Herr Stinnes's secretary before the war, and so is regarded as a mere puppet. Herr Stinnes believes that the Allies are bluffing, and that their apparent unity will break if the Germans continue their resistance until the Bolshevists are closer to Warsaw. He believes that,the threat of a general strike will prevent the Allies from attempting to occupy the Ruhr Valley. The Italians alone are reluctant to assent to the occupation of further territory.—A. and N.Z. Cable. LONDON, July 14. The Allied delegates met on Tuesday. Marshal Foch and General Magliuse conferred on the military situation. Meanwhile no communication is* being held with the Germans.. It appears that a breakup is imminent and that the Allies will occupy the Ruhr Valley. The Italian and British generals are expected to-night. A member of the German delegation, interviewed, said: "We are not under compulsion. It was different at Versailles, where we were forced to sign things which could not be fulfilled. We are now too honest to agree to an impossible plan. It is unfair to blame Herr Stinnes, for the miners absolutely refuse to work overtime unless the extra coal obtained is used for German requirements." Dr von, Simons requested an audience with Mr Lloyd George, who, after consulting M. ' Millerand, agreed, and earnestly pointed out the gravity of the situation, emphasising that the Allies were not bluffing. M. Paderewski has ooriferred with Mr Lloyd' George.—Reuter. THE STOKLOSSA INCIDENT. BELGIUM APOLOGISES. LONDON, July 14. (Received July 15, at 11.45 p.m.) A Spa message states that Belgium has apologised for the Stoklossa incident.—A. and N.Z. Cable. [A series of minor incidents between and Germans at Spa culminated in a midnight affray in a cafe. The band played the British National Anthem, and the Germans sang a students' song set to the same music. Later a giant Belgian cavalryman interrupted' a merry German froup, thrashing the German journalist [err Stoklossa with a riding whip.]. ALLIES STAND FIRM. TERMS MUST BE FULFILLED. LONDON, July 15. (Received July 16, at 1.15 a.m.) Tho Times Berlin correspondent says/ that all press correspondence, from Spa commenting on the presence of Marshal Foch and Sir Henry Wilson re-affirms that the Germans are v absolutely determined not to accept the- conditions, regarding them as impossible of fulfilment. The news of the Allies' firmness is stirring up bitter feeling. A crowd assembled before the French Embassy in Berlin and demanded the removal of the National flag. The police drew off the demonstrators, whereupon a man in German uniform climbed the roof and pulled down and stole the flag. The embassy hoisted another. The incident created great excitement. A Daily Mail Spa message says that the Allies are ready for the immediate occupation of the Ruhr region if their terms are rejected.—A. and N.Z. Cable.