APPREHENSION IN FRANCE

Evening Star, Issue 18670, 26 June 1924, Page 10

APPREHENSION IN FRANCE

il KERRIOT m REPARATIONS. DOUBTS REGARDING POLICY. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright, . LONDON. Juno 24. The Pun's correspondent of ‘ Tim Times ’ says that although French public opinion I welcomes with sincere satisfaction the prospect of doser c.o-operat ion with Britain there undoubtedly ovists real uneasiness concerning the change in French policy In which -M. Harriot has committed himself. Ft has been sn long drummed into the ears t>f the French people that only the occupation of the Ruhr will compel (lenn,’iny to pay, and that France will only evacuate the Ku.hr in proportion as Germany effects payment that any suggestion of the abandonment of military occupation of the 'Ruhr fills them with something akin to dismay. They are yet to he persuaded that this tangible, pledge can be replaced by guarantees of equivalent value. —The Times. MOVEMENT FOR CO-OPERATION. BRUSSELS. June 24. M. Harriot has communicated to MM. Theuuis -and Hymans the details of Ills conversation with Mr MacDonald, which, according to a. subsequent statement by M. Theuuis, permit the hope of close cooperation between Britain, France, Italy, and Belgium with a view lo carrying out the experts’ plan.—Reuter. THE LONDON CONFERENCE. AMERICA’S AJTJTUDE. WASHINGTON, June 24. A White House spokesman declared that the United States would undoubtedly be represented by the, customary unofficial observer at the Inter-allied Conference of Prime, Miisters in London in July, but it would not be officially represented. The spokesman explained that while the Government was eager to assist in the solution of European problems, it was equally anxious to avoid action which might ho interpreted as interference in European political affairs. He added that the United States had as yet received no formal invitation In participate in the conference, and therefore no formal stalemen t could he issued. Official circles believe that neither Mr (’. E. Hughes (Secretary of Stale), who reached London on Tuesday, nor General Dawes will he able lo participate, either officially or unofficially, in the, conference.--A, and N.Z. (Able. GERMAN MILITARISM. ' A ERIENDLV HINT. BERLIN, June 24. (Received June 26, at 1 a.m.) It is understood that a personal message from Air Alac.Donald and AL Herriot was communicated to the Chancellor (Dr Alnrx) pointing out that disquieting reports had reached the, Anglo-French Governments of increasing activities by the Nationalist militarist associations, and urging the German Government in its own interest to facilitate such an examination as would dispel suspicion.—Reuter. work: for the conftjience. RUMORS ART) SPECULATIONS. LONDON, June 25. (Received June 26, at 9.55 am.) Diplomatic writers and Paris correspondents emphasise the two main points which it is believed were discussed by AL Herriot and Mr MacDonald. It : s understood 1 that AL He.rriot favors the rapid commercialisation of the German debt through the international money markets taking up a. series of railway, industrial, and other bonds as provided for in the Dawes report, and linking with this scheme the Ruhr evacuation, so that a proportion of (he French and Belgian troops shall he withdrawn as each issue is disposed of. Another point emphasised is a. mutual defence pact between England, France, Belgium, and Italy, and possibly Czechoslovakia, pending a wider pact when Germany is admitted to the League of Na- i lions.

Tho 1 Morning Post's ’ Paris correspondent affirms that these suggestions have, been embodied in an agreement to which Belgium is expected to assent. A. significant rumor is current in Brussels to tile effect that Mr MacDonald telegraphed to M. Harriot saying that the protocol drafted at Chequers ought not to he published. British official circles, however, deny that Mr .MacDonald gave M. Korriot any wntten undertaking.—A. and \.Z. Cable.