REPARATION.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16885, 13 July 1920, Page 7

REPARATION.

DELIVERY OP COAL.

LONDON., July 10. A Spa communique states that the Conference discussed the question of coal. > Herr Bergmann explained that the shortage of deliveries was due to the Rhine floods and Germany's internal troubles and strikes. M. Millerand, replying, pointed out that notwithstanding that the Reparations Commission had reduced the coal demanded from Germany from 39,000,000 tons to 21,00~0,000 tons annually, Germany had delivered roughly at the rate of only half the smaller amount. Moreover, Germany, on her own authority, had reduced the deliveries by 10,000 tons daily, under the Eretext that an increased supply had een given to Poland. Germany was actually in a more favourable situation than was France, being able to fulfil 79 per cent, of her needs, as' against 69 per cent, in the case of France. M. Millerand pointed out that at the very moment when Germany was' failing to fulfil her obligations, she was making coal contracts with Switzerland and Holland against the protests of the Reparations Commission. M. Millerand read a note giving details of the proposed Allied measures. The Germans were given till this morning to reply. . Herr von Simons later communicated to "the Conference Germany's reply to the Allies' notification. He admitted that the coal deliveries should not have been diminished, nor contracts with other States concluded in the absence of an agreement with the Reparations. Commission, but the failure of Germany to fill her engagements was solely due to reasons of force majeure. v Ho said that the question of the production and distribution of coal could only be settled by common investigation. GERMANY AND THE INDEMNITY. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) SPA. July 11. It is rumoured that the Allies are prepared to make considerable concessions in order to reach a settlement regarding reparations. M. Millerand's conciliatory declaration, that the Allies were not anxious to insist on their full, literal rights, impressed the German delegation, and created optimistic hopes of a settlement. It is understood that Germany's proposals, which were handed to the Allies to-night, ask: — (a) That specific annual payments be fixed. (b) That the total indemnity be definitelv fixed. (c) That Germany be allowed to pay with coal and materials for the reconstruction ef the devastated areas. (d) That arrangements be made wherebv Germany's creditors shall be paid proportionately to the annual progress of the improvement in Germany. GERMAN PRESS PEOTESTS. (Received Julv 12th. ?.o p.m.) BERLIN, July 11. The signing of the Protocol has caused the createst storm in the German newspapers since the Armistice. The Allien are described as "a dictator with o revolver in his hand, determined to reduce Germanv to utter subjuga- , tion, and rob her of her independence. Tho papers declare that the German delegates were received ■> "like envoys ' from a noero tribe under threat of punishment because tribute to the slaveholder had not been paid promptly. AN APOLOGY. SPA, July 11. Herr Fchrenbach and Herr von Simons have anologised to the secretary of the conference for Herr Stinnes s m- " solcm outburst. They declare that, had thev known Ms intention, they would not have permitted him to speak. [An earlier message stated: —Herr

Stinnes made a provocative speech at Spa regarding coal supplies. Tie said it was necessary to euro the Allies of the disease of victory with which thev were touched. "If French black troop's occupy Ruhr to coerce German workers, becauso Germany is unable to fulfil the Allies' coal demands," lie said, "the entire white race will recoil with repulsion, and the Allies will not get coal, becauso the immigration of workmen to Ruhr will cease, and no houses will bo built,''J AMERICA AND THE TREATY. NEW YOPJv. July 10. j The correspondent of the New York "Sun 1 ' r.t Spa interviewed Mr Lloyd Genrge. Tho correspondent asked whether tho Prime Minister did not think that tho American people would believe that the I Allies were givincr way considerably before the Germans. Mr Lloyd Georce nnswered:—"Perhaps they will talk that way in America, but I want you to tell the Ameri- . cans this from me: If the Americans j were here -with us, things might be entirclv different, but thev have left us. ' Thev're out of it! They arc not giving us any help to solve these problems. TheV would have some right to talk if they were!" WAR CRIMINALS. j (Reuter's Telegrams.) (Received July 12th, 8.15 n.m.) LONDON, J*nly 11. In tho House of Commons, Mr Bonar ! Law announced that the number of war criminals demanded from Germany" was 892. No information was available regarding how many of these were residing in neutral countries. The Government had not communi-ated witu neutral countries on the subject. FREE CITY OF DANZIG. SPA, July 11. ' The Conference decided to place tho transport arrangements at Danzig under a joint commission of Poles and representatives of the free city of Danzig Its chairman will be selected by, and will represent, the League of NaI tions.