SOVIET CLAIMS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 272, 29 August 1946, Page 5

SOVIET CLAIMS

MAGNANIMOUS TO RUMANIA AMERICAN CRITICISES “INNUENDOES” (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.) (Rec. 10.30 a.m.) PARIS, August 28. The Balkans Economic Committee resumed the discussion of the Australian amendment calling for a reparations commission outside the conference.

Mr Chaigov (White Russia) described the amendment as contrary to equity and justice and declared that the Soviet reparations claims against Rumania were magnanimous. Mr William Thorp (America) sharply criticised the Soviet “innuendoes” against Australia, and added that the United States would support strongly the right of any nation to propose what it pleased. He opposed the delay involved in establishing a special reparations commission at this stage- and also opposed the Australian proposal that reparations be paid in foreign currency.

The Italian Political and Territorial Committee without dissent agreed to hear the Italian representative before discussing the territorial clauses of the draft for Italy. There was a dead silence as- Signor Saragat was led into the room. The chairman addressed no words of welcome.

Signor Saragat said the present Franco-Italian frontier following the line of the Alps was the natural line for Italy, including the Italian populations of the villages between the peaks. The modifications sought by France would upset this balance. He reiterated Italy’s objections to the proposed changes in the Mt. Cenis area, leaving an important hydro-electric plant in French hands which meant that Italian territory could be flooded by opening the dam. He also opposed France’s claim to the Upper Roya Valley.