INTERNATIONAL SITUATION

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 March 1922, Page 5

INTERNATIONAL SITUATION

AMERICAN NOTE TO ALLIES. CLAIM* FOR OCCUPATION COSTS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Associad •».) WASHINGTON, March 22. It is understood that America lias sent a Note, to Britain, France, Italy, Belgium and Japan, stating it holds that the recognition and the granting of the United States claim for the cost of the U.S.A. Army occupying the Rhine territory is doubly binding cm the Allies, since it was only at the urgent solicitation of the Allies that tlie. American troops were kept in Germany. It also says there was a solemn agreement between the Allies and the Associated Powers that the payment of the cost of the armies of occupation should constitute the first lien on the German assets, which understanding always contemplated the payment of the American costs. The Note says : “Since ( .‘ermany has not objecctd, there .seems to be no basis for Allied objectimis.’ Tlie Noto points out to the Allies that they cannot raise any technical objection to the United States receiving its share of the cost of the occupation of German territory on the ground that America is not a signatory to the Versailles Treaty, in view of the fact that Germany has explicitly consented to priority being given to the American costs, notwithstanding that she had not then ratified the Versailles Treaty. The Noto also points out that the Lnited States will welcome Allied suggestions for a reasonable adjustment of the matter, but. ponding such considerations, the United States hopes that the Allies will refrain from tiny distribution of funds to the exclusion of the United States. REPARATIONS COM MISSION. DEMANDS ON GERMANY. BERLIN. March 22. I he Allied Reparations Commission have handed Germany a note demanding the equivalent of £36,000,000 (with payment in 1922), in cash, and millions in kind. Germany is als i required to raise £46,000,000 by taxation, and to inaugurate a drastic scheme for a reduction in her Government’s expenditure, which must be submitted to the Entente by April 1. 'I he note, which is practically a time limited ultimatum, also insists that Germany shall raise both international and foreign loans, in default of which the Commission will put into process a levy on Gorman capital. OPINION IN GERMANY CONDITIONS UNACCEPTABLE Reed, at 8.55 a.m. BERLIN. March 23. The Reparations’ Commission Noto has created the deepest impression. I’he conditions proposed are completely unacceptable. Political leaders fear that the quest ion will lead to political chaos. It is declared that if the Entente desires the closest union between the German Communist Government and Bolshevik Russia, no •I her plan than that proposed need !>■ proffered. PACIFIC 'IREATY DEBATE. CONTINUED IN SENATE. WASHINGTON, March 22. The debate on the Pacific Treaty was continued to-day in the Senate, dm speeches being limited to one lour, in order to reach a vote on Frilay. Senator Walsh declared that he is ming to vote against the Treaty, be■ause it does not include all the mssible parties to the disputes, and a nee it is not a judicial institution, t is an alliance, he said, which will esult in the creation of other alliances o counteract it. It alienates friendly ’uwers like Russia and China. It exends any American protection which h ■ other parties are apt to need, in (turn for protection, which America liould furnish herself. Senator Pomcranee expressed disapmi nt merit that further progress has ! been made towards forming • the issociation of nations, which Presilent Harding had promised. He 'mil.l support the Treaty. THE NAVAL TREATY. J APANESE OBSER VA NOE TOKIO, March 22. Japan lias taken Hie first step for ’ lie execution of the Naval Treaty by : vithdrawing the destroyers Asagiris, Ilurasame, Asahivo, and Shirakumo rom active service. They arc to be ised, however, as targets. 1 AMERICAN NAVY. R E DUCTION THREATENED. Led 8.55 a.m.: WASHINGTON, March 23. It is learned that the Naval Department has threatened to reduce the iavy tq.. 12 battleships, six less than I ho United States allotment under the £ •ishington agreement, in case the ; Bill passes, reducing the navy per- i mnnel to 65,000 men. 1 GENOA CONFERENCE ; PREMIER TO ATTEND. ( LONDON, March 22. f Mr Chamberlain, replying to a quesion in the House of Commons, said f hat Cabinet did not intend to reonsider the question of Mr Lloyd a feorgo attending the Genoa Confernce. It would be a misfortune for tho ither countries besides Britain if Mr Aoyd George did- not attend. GERMAN OFFICER. BRUSSELS, March 22. A Belgian soldier shot a German of-

cer in iho occupied territory. The German was bearing arms contrary to orders, and a Belgian soldier pointed the fact. Th© German then knocked the Belgian down. Another Belian came to his comrade’s assistance and shot iho German with a. revolver. GREEKS AND TURKS PROPOSED ARMISTICE. . ATHENS, March 22. It is reported the Greek Government intend to agree to an armistice ith Turkey subject to certain new .1 minded conditions.: