ALLIES, REPLIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 182, 1 August 1923, Page 5

ALLIES , REPLIES.

FRANCE'S OBJECTIONS. BRITAIN'S PLANS REJECTED. OntXAMT AJTD THB XXAQUE. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, July 31. The replies of the French and Belgian Governments to the British suggestions for a joint Allied Note to Germany, on the reparations Issue, were presented to the Marquis Curzon, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, by the French and Belgian Ambassadors to-day. Lord Curzon afterwards received the Italian and German Ambassadors.

The Cabinet, which is to meet tomorrow, is confronted with the question whether the replies justify continuance of the negotiations with the view of a I joint Note to Germany, or shall Britain send her own Note. Official circles are pessimistic. The diplomatic correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" says that the French reply ia an elaborate document wluch may be said to constitute a sweeping rejection of almost every British proposal. It reaffirms the refusal of the French Government to enter Into any discussion with the German Government, until Germany formally renounces resistance, and declares that France will not completely evacuate the Ruhr until she has been paid. M. Poincare demurs to the British proposal for an impartial commission of experts, and asks Mr. Baldwin to state Britain's intended demands upon Germany and the Allies. This questionnaire :is the only constructive part of the reply. The rest is merely critical and negative. The Belgian reply is short and harmonises with the French reply, but it does express anxiety for a solution, and endeavours to contribute something material and positive. It suggests that the British proposals as ultimately amended in accordance with the suggestions of the other Allies, may form a material first step toward a new interAllied agreement.

The Italian reply has also been received. The "Westminster Gazette" says that Italy suggests that Germany should be admitted to the League of Nations. There is no doubt that the British Government would support Germany should she accept the invitation. (A. and NX Cable.)

iTAxys fositxow. COMHENT Or PARIS PAPBB. (Received 3.80 p.m.) PARIS, July 31. "Le Petit Parieien" eaye the Italian Ambassador informed Marquis Curzon that Signer Mussolini thought it better not to answer the British request, believing that in the present ata'te of the negotiations intervention will not serve any useful purpose. He is particularly desirous not to increase the difficulties remaining to be settled between the French, Belgian, and British Governments before" a Anal agreement is' reached. "Le Petit Parieien" adds that for a similar reason Japan also has not thought it expedient to: reply.—(A. and NX C»ble.)