REPARATION PROBLEM

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 178, 27 July 1923, Page 5

REPARATION PROBLEM

AMITY DESIRED. BELGIUM'S JHPXfOMACY. DEVASTATES AREAS. CB» Cable.—Press Association.—Copjrlctit.i LONDON, July Sβ. M. Poincare lice drafted a reply to the British propowl regarding reparations, which was communicated to the Belgian Goven -.nent. Afterwards it -was announced that it had been decided that France and Belgium should reply separately but in the same sense. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" says that opinion persists that Belgium is absolutely with France regarding the Ruhr, but would gladly see a rapprochement between the French and British standpoints concerning settlement of the reparation question by a committee of experts. The "Journal dcs Debate" comments: "It must not be forgotten that Belgium does not want to be placed in a position of choosing between British and French friendship. In March the Belgian Cabinet expressed a desire that a FrancoBelgian plan should be elaborated, which would allow France and Belgium to .become reconciled to Britain. We never understood why France made no effort to give satisfaction of this desire on the part of Belgium. Aβ a result of that negligence we are now forced to rush discussions in order to reach accord." • Referring to suggestions that for the next 15 years Germany's payments be devoted to the reconstruction of the devastated areas of France and Belgium and the repayment of the British debt to the United States, the "Matin" says that the French and Belgian Ambassadors in London have been instructed to 'discuss the plan with the Marquis Curjzbn. The scheme is favourably considered in Brussels, and it would not be surprising if Belgium takes the initiative in proposing it officially.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.) RUHR RESISTANCE. WEAKNESS AND DEFEAT. GERMANY MAY COIXAVSEi ADMITTANCE TO X.EACHTE. (Received 2.30 J>.m.) LONDON, July 2«. The "Daily Telegraph's" Berlin correspondent declares that Germany will stake everything. in order to continue passive resistance. - It is felt in Germany that capitulation will mean not only defeat in the Ruhr struggle, but - the inevitable collapse of Germany. Until the results of British initiative and Britain's endeavour to find a way out just and satisfactory to both France and Germany, Germany will not consider seriously applying for admission to the League of Nations.—(A, and N:Z.)