REPARATIONS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 186, 4 May 1929, Page 11

REPARATIONS

EXPERTS’ DISCUSSIONS IN PARIS CONTINUANCE DEPENDS ON DR. SCHACHT INQUIRY WILL END UNLESS PROMISING OFFER MADE (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (“Times” Cables.) Paris, May 2. With Dr. Schacht’s return the experts’ reparations discussions seem abou> to enter the final phase. Dr. Schacht declined to give any indication as to whether he intended to break fresh ground. He takes Mr. Owen Young into his confidence tonight and the Allied experts will learn the results of his interview to-morrow. If Dr. Schacht is able to offer a promising basis for renewed negotiations, these will begin informally. Otherwise, the Allied experts will complete their report and the inquiry will terminate.

FRESH GERMAN PROPOSALS Australian Press Association. (Rec. May 3, 7 p.m.) Paris, May 3. Dr. Schacht has returned from Berlin and attended a meeting of the chiefs of delegations and submitted fresh proposals. REPARATIONS IN KIND EFFECT ON BRITISH COAL INDUSTRY The transfer of reparations from Germany has been a material factor in the difficulties of the British coal industry, according to remarks made by Mr. Edmund Hann at the annual meeting of one of the Welsh coal companies. “It is a fact which is not sufficiently recognised that the arrangements for reparations in kind have gravely injured the industries of this country, and at the same time have conferred advantages both on our Allies and on our former enemies,” he said. “Of all the industries In this country the coal trade has been the greatest sufferer, and of all the coalfields South Wales has had to bear the greatest share of the burden, as German reparations coal has invaded markets which formerly drew the bulk of their coal supplies from South Wales. Italy provides a striking example of what has happened. In 1913 Italy imported 10,700,000 tons of coal, of which 9,600,000 tons were supplied by Great Britain, South Wales’s share being 5,500,000 tons. In 1927 Italy imported 14,000,000 tons, of which only 6,800,000 tons were Imported from Great Britain, South Wales supplying 3,200,000’ tons for the Italian market, a decrease so far as South "Wales is concerned of 2,300,000 tons. The import of German coal into Italy has, on the other hand, Increased from 950,000 tons in 1913 to 4,100,000 tons in 1927, an increase of over 3,000,000 tons. I am afraid that unless, as a result of the discussions which are at present taking place, there is a substantial reduction in the amount of r< - ations in kind which Germany is permitted to make, these deliveries will continue to have a depressing influence on our industry.”