BRITAIN'S CLAIMS

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 57, 17 September 1928, Page 9

BRITAIN'S CLAIMS

NO FURTHER SACRIFICE CUSHENDUN EMPHATIC Australian Trcsa Association. (Keciuved 17th September, 1 p.m.) GENEVA, loth September. Lurd Citshcndun acted as chairman of Iho Meeting, forming a bridge between Franco and Germany. Nevertheless, ho delinitely stated the British standpoint, emphasising that Britain, in accordance with the Balfour Note, could not agree to liquidating her claims on Europe if they involved receiving less than she is required to pay the United Slates. Britain must avoid the danger of Franco and German experts reaching an agreement, putting Britain in tho disagreeable position of either accepting a solution necessitating a great sacrifice or of obstructing an agreement which might be represented as the basis of European pacification. Ho therefore pointed out that while willing that British experts should meet the others, Britain's position differed from that of other Powers because she couJd not make financial sacrifices, even 'as the price of agreement in other matters. Britain iiad already mado sufficient sacrifices. Ho also insisted that tho financial discussions must not include, either Ijy suggestion or implication, an appeal to America for any romissior. of British debts, which Britain was''able and determined to pay in full. POSITION SXPLAINED. Lord Ctishendun in tho afternoon received British journalists. Ho intimated that the1 conversations were the result of Herr Mueller's request. Lord Cushendun disclosed that ho throughout had emphasised that the evacuation of at least the second zone should be effected as early as possible. He had urged M. Briand to agree because of tho bargaining value. The Second Zone was nearly evacuated, and it was really not giving much away, but it would be a clear token of the Allied desire to promote goodwill. "I thought we could then proceed to consider tho whole reparations problem. If that were arranged, we could consider tho evacuation of the Third Zone. That course was found impossible, apparently on account of tho difficulties in Paris. Perhaps what was arranged will prove' equally satisfactory." He added that tho outstanding feature of the sittings, after the flrst of which "I somehow slipped into tho chairmanship," was the good spirit of Herr Mueller and M. Briand and their real desire, which was apparent, to do something to improve relations. Lord Cushendun added that he could not say when the conversations would be renewed. The first step in regard to reparations was the German production of a plan. Doubtless, they would lose little time by replying. Whether tho Verification Committee would take cognisance of affairs on tho French side of tbejjorder, if Germany desired, this would ' presumably bo discussed when they were determining the per.sonnel and functions of the Committee.