REPARATION TERMS

Gisborne Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 9670, 17 April 1923, Page 5

REPARATION TERMS

FRANCE WILL MAKE NO REDUCTION.

POINCARES OUTSPOKEN VIEWS

GRADUAL WITHDRAWAL AS PAYMENTS MADE.

(United Press Association— Copyright.) PARIS, April 15. M. Poincare, in a speech at the unveiling of a monument at Dunkirk to fallen soldiers, said: France is seeking to protect her frontiers against fresh aggression. France ( was the heaviest sufferer in war. She could not reduce her reparation demands. It was now her duty to win the peace. Germany had not attempted to pay reparations. France had spent one hundred million francs on Germany’s account. Franco had made three discoveries 'in Ruhr. Firstly, Germany could have delivered coal she owed since she was now doing without Ruhr coal; secondly, she could have paid in foreign currency since she was using it to buy goods abroad; thirdly, the existence of the Schutpoliei, a disguised military organisation. Had a two years’ moratorium been granted, Germany would thereafter have defied tlie Allies. France would firmly seize hold the guarantees she had seized and would not surrender them in exchange for more promises. She would only withdraw from Ruhr gradually as payments were made. She would patiently complete the task begun. Germany would look in vain for any sign of wavering on the part of France. Without violence or provocation France would continue to the end.—A. and N.Z.C'.A.

FRANOO-BELGIAN CONFERENCE

SEIZED GOODS TO BE USED AS REPARATIONS.

PARIS, April 15. The Franco-Bolgian conference has ended. M.M. Theunis and J'aspar arc returning to Brussels. ;Vn official communique states that the conference re-affirmed tlie Brussels resolution not to accept German promises, and that evacuation .be progressive with German payments. it was decided that goods seized.in Ruhr should bo taken bv Franco and Belgium as reparations in kind to the extent of their’ requirements, and the surplus sold, the proceeds, after deduction of expenses of exploitation, being handed to the Reparations Commission.—A. and N.Z.C.A.

GERMAN SOCIALISTS’ „ LATEST MOVE. ' NEW REPARATION OFFER FAVORED. LONDON, April 15. The Daily Telegraph’s Berlin correspondent states: Significantly, tlio Socialist official organ is strongly advocating making a new reparation offer. This, acceptance by the largest party in the Reichstag of the British suggestion is symptomatic of changed feelings here. Other parties hold similar views, though hitherto they would give them clear public utterance. It is widely hoped Rosenberg’s speech in the Reichstag to-morrow will indicate a definite step in the direction of settlement. —A. and N.Z.C.A.

GERMAN CHANCELLOR’S REPLY TO TRADES UNION.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH FRENCH ONLY ON TERMS OF EQUALITY

LONDON, April 15. The Times’ Berlin correspondent says the Chancellor, replying to trades union leaders, said he worth! be prepared to negotiate with the French on. a non-political basis, only on terms of equality. Meanwhile tlie workers in Ruhr must understand they would have to hold out tor a considerable time.—A. and N.Z.C.A.