PEACE OF EUROPE.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 303, 21 December 1921, Page 5

PEACE OF EUROPE.

ANGLO-FRENCH DISCUSSION. LINES OF THE PACIFIC PACT. INCLUSION OF GERMANY. (By Cabic. -I'ress Aaeoelation. — Copyright.) LONDOX. December 20. M. Brianil (Prime Minister of Franco) and Mr. Lloyd George opened conversations at Downing Street to-day. It is understood that they generally discussed the economic position of Europe, including Russia and the reparation question. Subsequently a number of matters were referred to experts for examination. It is believed that the conference will develop into the most important since the Versailles Peace Conference. It may possibly lead to a European pact similar to the Pacific Treaty made at Washington. It is regarded as significant that Dr. Rathenau (the German negotiator) arrived to-day at Mr. Lloyd George's invitation. He is staying at the same hotel as M. Briand, and will be ready to be called in when wanted. The "Echo <le Paris" asserts that the two Prime Ministers will consider an Anglo-French alliance and the cancellation of French debts to Britain. The "Manchester Guardian" and other newspapers of standing are of opinion that Mr. Lloyd George, favours a tripartite agreement under which Britain. France, and Germany will be each guaranteed against aggression from others.— (A. and K.Z. Cable.) ARMY OF OCCUPATION. PAYING FOR ITS UPKEEP. (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON", December 20. Allied experts supplied the French and British Premiers with information on questions submitted yesterday. Tne experts previously heard Dr. Rathe.nau on the economic conditions of Germany. It is contended by Britain that the sum paid by Germany for the upkeep of the British Army on the Khine does not meot the total expenditure, and the exports were asked to ascertain what Uerirseny could pay in this respect. The official communique says that the conference considered the reparations and examined the condition of German resources available for meeting obligations. Consideration was also given to means of improving the general economic conditions of Europe.—(A. and N.Z.) A SURE SOLUTION. PEACE BASED UPON ENTENTE. (Received 2.39 p.m.) LONDON, December 20. The "'Daily Mail ,, had an interview with M. Briand. who said if Germany did not pay Franco would have to borrow and Germany's bankruptcy would bring France into an impo*sible position. A sure solution would be found of Anglo-French differences. The French nation, emerging from a long end terrible war did. not want a crushing burden of land armaments, but the Wirt.h Government in its weakness compelled France to remain armed and guarded. It was impossible to say what German Government would be in power to-mor-row. Concerning Angora, he said Franco wae maintaining ninety thousand men in Cilicia. This was a staggering burden and she could not do otherwise than withdraw and make terms with the Turks. The delusion France wanted war with Britain was in sensate. Submarine** were required for defence, not attack. France accepted Mr. Hughes' ratio. There 'whs still no confirmation regarding the six ten thoueand-ton *hips which Germany wst-f allowed to build by the Versailles Conference. Ho wanted -the Washington Conference to take this into account. Finally France was unanimously in favour of peace built upon the Entente.—(United Service.)