“YES” OR “NO”

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5536, 19 July 1920, Page 5

“YES” OR “NO”

, DRAMATIC INCIDENT AT SPA.

WHAT LLOYD-GEORGE SAID TO THE GERMANS, V

EX-ENEMY SIGNS - AGREEMENT

ALLIES CUT UP REPARATION MONEY.

United Press Association—QonyrUiUi. (Received July 18. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 17. Spa messages state that Von Simons at the afternoon session proceeded to argue when M. Millerand intervened and demanded a direct affirmative or a negative to the Allied proposals. ; Von Simons ignored the request; thereupon M. Millerand whispered to Mr Lloyd-George who rose, and politely invited the Germans to retire to the tea-room until they could answer “Yes” or “No.” The Germans returned at 8.45 in the evening and signed the agreement with a reservation concerning the Allies’ claim to occupy Ruhr in the event of non-fulfilment. An agreement has been signed at Spa between Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Belgium and Portugal. It provides that German reparations shall be divided as follows: —Britain 22 per cent, France 52 per cent., Italy 10 per cent, Japan and Portugal each 0.7 J per cent., and Belgium 8 per cent' The remaining 6J- per cent, is reserved for Greece, Roumania and others. _ Provision is also made for dividing the Austro-Hungarian and Bulgarian moneys. The Allies undertake to facilitate the issue of German loans destined for Germany’s internal requirements and prompt discharge of debt to the Allies.—A. and N.Z.C.A. (Received July 18, 5.5 p.m.) SPA, July 17. The Allied Conference resumes a fortnight hence at Geneva.—A. and N.Z.C.A.

LLOYD-GEORGE’S OPINION OF

CONFERENCE

GREAT ADVANCE MADE TOWARDS PEACE.

(Received July 18, 11.5 p.m.) SPA, July 17.

Mr. Lloyd-George told Press correspondents that he regarded the conference as a great success and the results would soon be apparent. A great advance has been made towards peace. Both sides had reached a better understanding of the problems ; even the French, who at first wero sceptical, would now agree that the conference was a success. to the effect of the Bolshevik successes Mr. Lloyd-George said the German delegation was entirely antiBolshevik. and pointed out that disarmament was more important than coal. The whole future relations depended xipon it. He had undisguised admiration for Von Simons’ ability and courage.—-A. and N.Z.C.A.