PEACE MENACED

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIII, Issue 20, 6 January 1923, Page 5

PEACE MENACED

A Deplorable Breakdown EUROPE PLUNGED INTO UNCERTAINTY. FRANCE’S HEADSTRONG COURSE ißy Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.] (Received 6. 11 a.m.) London. Jan. 5. “The Times” says editorially: “For two reasons Britain deeply deplores the breakdown of the conference. Firstly, because hopes of a solution of the reparation problem through the comprehensive and reasonable British plan are foiled, plunging the immediate future of Europe into uncertaiity, while the adoption of the plan, even in a modified form, would have meant a gradual return to sanity. Thus an economic scheme for raising large sums from Germany has been rejected with out serious consdeiraton in favour of plans for raising small sums immediately by separate action. “Secondly. France has taken serious risks. jEven Jif the former British Government failed in its duty to make the country’s view of reparations plain, it is not clear why the French have now committed themselves to a reckless adventure, creating a position in which the recovery of adequate reparation by any of the Allies is extremely doubtful. The whole fabric of peace is in grave danger. Britain must find strength to accomplish her own task of recovery.”—(A. and N.Z.) FRENCH OCCUPATIONAL TROOPS CONFINED TO BARRACKS. (Received 6. 10.45 a.m.) Paris, Jan. 4. On receipt in Mayence of the news of the failure of the conference, the headquarters of the army of occupation ordered troops to be kept in barracks ready for all eventualities. All leave has been suspended.—(A. and N.Z.) DEEP IMPRESSION AT BERLIN. HOPES AND FEARS. (Received 6, 10.45 a.m.) Berlin, Jan. 5. The breakdown of the conference caused a deep impression. Certain quarters state that Germany will benefit from .France’s isolation, but the majority do not share that opinion, and fear tile consequences of a FrancoGerman clash. It is hoped that France will not undertake military occupation on a grand scale, but will only send police and public officials.—(A. and N.Z.) AM ERICA ’ S ATTITUDE. DISAPPROVAL OF MILITARY ACTION. (Received 6, 10.45 a.m.) Washington, Jan. 5. The United Press has been officially informed that if the French take military action against Germany it will result in a strong protest by the United States.—(A. and N.Z.)