GERMAN AFFAIRS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18412, 19 May 1920, Page 7

GERMAN AFFAIRS.

THE NEUTRAL ZONE.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright, Router's Telegrams.

PARIS, May 17. The evacuation of the towns on tho right bank of the Rhino was carried out quietly in the morning. Tho population wore warned by a laconic proclamation issued by General Degoutta saying that the French would keep their word..

(Received May 4 19, 12.5 a.m.) PARIS, May 17. The main body of the French marched in daylight to Mayence, bands playing and flags flying. As hostages, tho French took the burgomaster, tho chief of police and several councillors, also a million marks in money. They will be returned when tho evacuated without molestation. Tho Germans in several places presented flowers and fruit as tributes to the exemplary be* haviour of the poilus.

THE SPA CONFERENCE. PARIS, May 17. M. Millorand, interviewed by "Le Matin," said:—-" Mr Lloyd George and myself quickly reached an agreoment. A communication which will immediately bo sent to Germany reminds her that she is only invito J to Spa to give explanations, cspeoially regarding tho failure to carry out tho military clauses of the treaty. The Allies meanwhilewill continue all measures necessary to ensure the execution of the economic clauses." THE INDEMNITY. Router's Telegrams. (Received May 18, 5.5 p.m.) PARTS, May 1.7. / It is stated in well-informed circles that Mr Lloyd George and M. Millerand laid down at the Hythe Conference tho sum of 125 milliard marks as the minimum German indemnity. Mr Lloyd George was unable to recognise the priority of France to reparation, contending that there could be no dirtinction between the victims of war. Tho objection was inspired by the attitude of tho British dominion Governments, who are counting upon money duo from Germany in order to assure payment of soldiers' pensions. The French delegates proposed the payment of the indemnity in thirty-three annual installments, and the raising of a large loan, covered bv Germany, France. Britain, Italv and Belgium, with the indemnity ns security. "The Timos" Service. (Received May 19, 12.45 a.m.) PARIS, May 18., Franco has agreed to a minimum indemnity of six thousand million sterling, liable to revision upwards. A. and N.Z. OaMs Association a-nd Renter. (Received May 18, 11.25 p.m.) LONDON, May 17. In tho House of Commons, at question time, Mr Bonar Law 6tated that all the Allies on May 7 forwarded to the German Government the first instalment, containing forty-five names of war criminals, compiled by tho InterAllied Commission. Tho Allies at the same time requested that tho_ trial of the prisoners by the Leipzig Court should begin without delay. They also pointed out that the German Government must adequately guarantee protection of any Allied witnesses, and allow Allied representatives to bo present at all sittings of the Court. Mr Bonar Law reminded the House that the Allies reserved all rights under' 1 Articles 228 and 229 of tho Treaty of Versailles if the procedure at the Leipzig Court was unsatisfactory.