GERMAN REPARATIONS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 84, 3 January 1929, Page 9

GERMAN REPARATIONS

AND OCCUPATION OF RHINELAND OBSTACLES TO PEACEFUL PROGRESS SPEECHES BY PRESIDENT AND CHANCELLOR The German President and the Chancellor, Herr Muller, emphasise the necessity for an early solution of the reparations and Rhineland problems, which they declare are obstacles to national progress and peaceful relations. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Australian Press Association. Berlin, January 1. In view of the impending reparations discussions, two passages are significant in the speeches at the ceremony in which the German Cabinet and the Diplomatic Corps paid, their respects to President Hindenburg. The President said: “The German people are very bitter that a large strip of their country should still be occupied and that they should be deprived of the liberty which we claim by Divine right.”. Herr Mueller, Chancellor,, contested the exaggerated idea abroad that Germany had regained a state of prosperity. It was all contrary to the facts. “Only the solution of the gigantic problems of the reparations and the Rhineland will eliminate the war tension remaining between Germany and the Allies and . restore the sincere and friendly relations so es-_ sential to the maintenance of peace.” (“Times” Cables.) (Rec. January 2, 8.5 p.m.), London, January 1. “The Times” Berlin correspondent reports that President Hindenburg, speaking at a New Year reception of the Diplomatic Corps, said: “No country feels more than Germany the disappointments encountered in - striving towards peaceful progress. We are still sadly uncertain regarding the fulfilment of our justifiable expectations. Despite the disappointment, we hope that full self-determination, will be re-, stored to Germany in 1929. - Since the high ideals of mankind can be developed only by free peoples, Germany , will always be entitled to use her entire strength to overcome the obstaclespreventing sound national progress. The co-operation of all nations is necessary to attain this goal, which is essential for the peace of Europe.” GERMANY ABLE TO PROVIDE FULL CONTRIBUTIONS ... .■*: . r ——-r. . _ * t GREAT PRODUCTIVITY OF REVENUES ' URGED TO SPEND LESS ON HERSELF ' (Australian Press Association.) ' (Rec. January 2, 5.5 p.m.) Berlin, January 1. In striking contrast to the speeches of President Hindenburg and Herr Mueller, Mr. Parker Gilbert’s eagerly awaited report on reparations declares that there is no question, in the light of practical experience, concerning the ability of Germany to provide the full amount of its standard contribution under the Dawes plan. Mr. Gilbert stresses the great productivity of the revenues, and urges Germany to spend less on herself. “The time is approaching,” he declares, “when more vigorous measures must lie taken to keep Germany’s expenditure within the limits of the available revenues. Undoubtedly there are reserve forces of taxation still available to which recourse could be had if necessary.” He concludes by advocating the definite fixing of the reparations obligations, on the ground that it would remove the element of uncertainty from the economic life of all the" countries interested. NEW ARMOURED CRUISER INVENTIVE TRIUMPH OVER VERSAILLES LIMITATIONS (“Times” Cables.) London, December 31. The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” states that German naval designers and engineers believe that their 10,000-ton armoured cruiser, now under construction, represents a of German inventiveness over the Versailles limitations, and renders the ordinary 10,000-tonners antiquated. The new craft will be speedy enough to operate with light cruisers, and strong enough to encounter battleships and anything else afloat, except battle cruisers.