REPARATIONS.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17939, 6 December 1923, Page 9

REPARATIONS.

SOLUTION IN SIGHT.

LORD DERBY HOPEFUL

t3Y CABLE— TRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.) (AUST.3AI.Ii.:,' AXD X.I. CABLE ASSOCIATION.}

(Received December oth. S.lo p.m.)

LONDON, December o.

Lord Derby, speaking at Waterloo, said he believed that there would soon come documentary evidence from the Commission which would facilitate a real financial settlement.

"I think." he added, "that for the first time since the Armistice I see daylight, and that some settlement can and vrill be carried out. During the time that Germany has been refusing to pay reparations, Bhe has not been idle. She has been able to wipe off not only her national debt but also municipal debts, debentures and overhead charges upon her industry." RESOURCES EXHAUSTED. CABINET UP AGAINST IT. (Received December otb, 8.15 p.m.) LONDON, December o. The Berlin correspondent of the "Morning Post" credits Dr. Marx with saying that Dr. Stresemann had been criticised for asserting that the situation in Germany was desperate; but Stresemann was right. "All sections of the German people," said Dr. Marx, "should know that we are actually at the end of our economic and financial resources: hence tho need for a 13ill empowering the Government to take urgent measures without consulting the Reichstag." The Marx Cabinet has decided that if these special powers are not conferred it will immediately dissolve the Reichstag.

COLLAPSE OF PRICES. HOARDED TREASURES APPEAR. (Received December sth, 8.15 p.m.) LONDON, December 5. The <r Daily Telegraph" says that, like all his predecessors, Dr. Mars Jacked frankness and courage to tell the Reichstag that for the past three or four years the affluent classes have practically escaped taxation altogether, and consequently are in a position to pay handsomely now. While party intrigues are influencing the Reichstag, the nation is wholly occupied with the rise of the mark and the collapse of prices. There is such a rush to buy now as has Been unknown for months past. Moreover, supplies far exceed the demand, AH kinds of hoarded treasures, from eggs to dollars, are emerging from their hiding places. A few more days of this would effect a transformation in the economic position and the mood of the nation.

REHABILITATION.

SMUTS HAS A SCHEME.

(BT CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION— COPVSIGHT-) telegeamb.)

CAPE TOWN, December 4.

General Smuts, interviewed on his arrival from Europe regarding his scheme for the general rehabilitation of Continental countries, said that broadly it was based on the scheme of reconstruction which had been carried out in Austria.

"I had the advantage of discussing the position with statesmen and leading financial experts from every part of Europe," said General Smuts. '•Their firm conviction is that, though in the case of Germany the task of rehabilitation, up to a point at which Germany would in £ue course discharge her reparation obligations, would be bigger, than in the case of Austria, it would be in all probability speedier."