LABOUR M.P. OFFERS COMPROMISE IN BERLIN DISPUTE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22759, 4 October 1948, Page 5

LABOUR M.P. OFFERS COMPROMISE IN BERLIN DISPUTE

(10 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 3. A four-point compromise settlement for the Berlin dispute, which would “lead to the restoration of laud communications with Berlin and open the door to a general settlement, was proposed by a Left-wing Labour member of Parliament, Mr. Konni Zilliacus, who fs an opponent of Mr. Bevin’s foreign policy, in a speech at Haltwhistle.

Mr. Zilliacus’ points were: 1. Nationalisation of indusdustries, transport and finance, with trade union participation in their management is essential to making Germany safe for peace and democracy.

2. The Western Powers and Soviet Russia should share in international control of the Ruhr and of railways and waterways and coal and steel production throughout Germany. 3. The Western Allies should agree on ceasing to obstruct unity of action between German working-class parties and to drop discrimination against Communist and Socialist Unity Parties in exchange for Russians allowing the Social Democrats to operate in the Soviet zone and agreeing to joint measures for guaranteeing freedom and justice to all apti-Fascist political parties. 4. There should be a moratorium on reparations until German industrial production has reached 70 per cent of pre-war, after which 10 per cent should be allocated for 10 or 15 years for reparations, including the reimbursement of the Western Allies for the help given to Germany.