THE EXPERTS’ PLAN

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 177, 21 April 1924, Page 7

THE EXPERTS’ PLAN

GERMAN REPARATIONS '• IMMEDIATE STEPS TO CARRY IT OUT “EUROPE’S CHANCE” . The German Government Is taking immediate steps to carry out the experts’ plan. The French are expseted to make a big issue of the question of penalties in the event of a German default. The British Premier describes the present position as Europe’s chance. By Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. (Roc. April 20, 5.5 p.m.) Berlin, April 18The Government is taking immediate steps to construct machinery to give effect to the experts’ plan. The Economic Council and heads of the railway services are conferring concerning means to mortgage State and private property. The experts’ plan lias become a big election issue in Germany. Herr Helfferich, leader of the Nationalist Party, bitterly assails the plan, which he describes in the "Preussiche Zeitung* as “a second Versailles.” The Socialist paper “Vorwaerts” appeals for support for the plan, declaring that rejection of it will make the Reich an outcast in the eyes of the world. ■ Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Paris, April 18. The “Matin’s” Berlin correspondent says that tho parties of the Right intend to contest the Ministry’s acceptance of tho experts’ reports, contending that it has no authority to do so without consulting the Reich-stag.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. IF GERMANY DEFAULTS FRANCE EXPECTS AID FROM BRITAIN > X (Rec. April 20, 5 5 p.m.)’ New York, April 18. The Paris' correspondent of tho “New York Times” says: Intimations r oy the French that if they leave the Ruhr they will expect British assistance for a re-entry in the event of the Germans’ default under the conditions in the experts’ report, also an assurance from Britain that the British Fleet would be used against Germany, have brought intimations that the British Government will enter, into no such bargain. The semi-official paper “Le Temps has been insisting that it would be wisest for the French to keep their hands free for eventualities. Tho French will make, a big issue of the Question of penalties in the event of a German default. It is also openly intimated that the French are displeased with the quick German acceptance of the experts’ plan. The correspondent understands that the French expected that the Germans would ask for changes relative to guarantees and control, but had hoped that the Germans would accent with qualifications, thus enabling the French more naturally also to indicate the need for alterationsThe onus of such requests will now fall upon France. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

“HERE IS EUROPE’S CHANCE”

BRITISH PREMIER’S VIEW;

(Rec. April 20. 5.5 p.in.) London, April 19. In a speech in connection with th® annual conference of the Independent Labour Party at York, the Premier, Mr. Ramsay AIAcD-Miald, said thath® was glad to find the country behind him in the view that the experts’ reports ought to bo taken as a whole. There were things in them that he disliked, but if they began to raise details. France. Belgium and Germany would do the same, and they would be exactly where they started. Tim Prime Minister added: “Here is Europe’s chance. Put it into operation all at once, all together. Then when that is done go on and finish the iob; bring peace and security to the Continent.” He urged that their attitude should lie to accept Germany’s word. He pointed out that the greatest danger Germany now offered was industrial deterioration, not danger of arms. —Reuter. TO MEET IN LONDON > INTER-ALLIED CONFERENCE Brussels, April 18. The newspapers announce an interAllied meeting in London after Easter to discuss reparations in relation to the experts’ report. Belgium will bo represented bv AIM. Theunis and Hymans. and France will send MM. .lonvenal and Loucheur, Ministers of Public Instruction and Commerce respect-ively.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.