THE RHINELAND AND REPARATIONS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 49, 21 November 1928, Page 11

THE RHINELAND AND REPARATIONS

PROBLEMS DISCUSSED BY DR. STRESEMANN “GERMANY ENTITLED TO EVACUATION” POLICY REGARDING DISARMAMENT In a speech in the Reichstag Dr. Streseniann declared that Germany would unswervingly maintain that she was entitled to complete evacuation of the Rhineland; also that the evacuation must not depend on the solution of any other problem. * (United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) Berlin, November 19. Speaking in the Reichstag for the first time since his breakdown in health in June, Dr. Stresemann, Foreign Minister, discussed the problems of the evacuation of the Rhineland and reparations. He said that nor only the Germans, but many foreign observers, considered that the retention of foreign troops in the Rhineland was a contradiction of the recent trend in international affairs. All the foreign Governments concerned had now agreed to open negotiations concerning the evacuation. Germany would unswervingly maintain that she was entitled to immediate complete evacuation; also that the evacuation must not depend on the solution of any other problem, Germany’s rights being violated so long as her claim was unfulfilled. “We cannot,” he said, “assume the political burden, the effect of which will continue beyond the term of pledged reparations. We will not enter into any financial engagements as the price of military evacuation.” Regarding disarmament, Germany’s Geneva policy must continue, because it safeguarded Germany’s western frontier. It was the only possible policy in view of Germany’s military helplessness. The news of the AngloFrench compromise had caused anxiety because it foreshadowed a possible new grouping of the Powers to Germany’s detriment. “We shall,” Dr. Stresemann declared, “stand by the policy laid down by Herr Mueller and Count Bernstorff at Geneva.” THE BRITISH VIEWPOINT (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, November 19. A memorandum setting forth the British viewpoint in regard to reparations has been communicated to the German Government through its Ambassador in London.