REPARATIONS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 25 June 1924, Page 7

REPARATIONS

CONFERENCE WITH M. HERRIOT. / THE OBJECTS EXPLAINED. ALLIES TO MEET IN JULY. *? CABLfI-paasß association— copyright LONDON, June 23. In the House of Commons, replying to Mr. Stanley Baldwin (Conservative leader), Mr. Ramsay MacDonald (Prime Minister) said the purpose of the interview with M. Herriot (Premier of France) was to discuss the technical arrangements necessary to put the experts’ reparations report into operation, and certain matters in which AngloFrench co-operation seemed desirable in order to promote security and peace in Europe. That must not be taken to mean that it was intended to make any exclusive arrangements between any two Powers, added Mr. MacDonald. The discussion would be reported to the Premiers of Belgium and Italy, both M Herriot and himself being anxious that no decision should be presented to those countries. As already stated, the talk was a preliminary to the inter. Allied Conference in London, probably on July 16. Replying to Mr. Lloyd George, Mr. MacDonald said it was most desirable that America be represented at the conference, and a communication to that effect would be made to America immediately the representation of Germany was discussed. Obviously, interAllied agreement was the first essential. In regard to what they were prepared to do to give effect to the report, it was felt that the report imposed certain obligations on Germany somewhat outside the obligations of the Treaty of Versailles. The question remaining for consultation with Belgium and- Italy was how bestjihey could make Germany a willing partner sharing these obligations. The business of the conference would be the Dawes report. He also hoped to arrange other outstanding Anglo-French matters.

In reply to other questions, Mr. MacDonald said the question of the Allies’ shares of the payments from Germany would certainly not he reopened. He gave an assurance that the Dominions would be completely consulted, so that they, might feel that they were partners’! with the Government in everything the Government did. He emphasised that, in settling the questions of putting the Dawes report into operation, the Government would take no responsibility that Britain or the Dominions would be mulcted in seeing carried out.

Replying to Mr. Lloyd George, Mr. MacDonald said that Germany would be asked to come in and make good the final arrangements' for putting the Dawes report into operation. The diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that after long discussions Britain has notified the Mandates Commission that she waives the right to raise or employ troops from the mandated areas for service in outside areas. The hope is expressed that France and Belgium will follow this example.

The London correspondent of the. Times, commenting on the MacDonaldHerriot conversations, says the opinion is held that in the long run Germanv’s presence on a basis of equafitv at the proposed conference will lie necessary if anything is to he settled. The Nationalists profess to see in the policy of M. Herriot nothing but the policy of the former Premier. M. Poincare, with gentle words instead of brusqueness.