ALLIED ULTIMATUM PROJECTED.

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 166, 16 July 1920, Page 5

ALLIED ULTIMATUM PROJECTED.

SCHEME OF GRADUAL OCCUPA-

TION

FOCH'9 GRIM HUMOR

Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association (Received July 16, 10 a.m.)

LONDON, July 15. Reports from the Spa state that the Allies to-morrow, will deliver an ultimatum. To-day's suspence is acute. Mr Lloyd George conferred with yon Simons, and Paderewski. No evening communique was issued.

Correspondents believe that the Allies will come to a united decision to take firm action.

The Daily Chronicle's correspond dent says: "Tho solution of the crisis by agreement is now impossible. The Allies are considering the preciseform of action to x be taken by the British diplomats, ' who view the situation with the gravest anxiety. They point out that the coal problem affeeftj Britain, but coal constitutes only one item in the reparation demands. If the Gorman coal attitude be repeated on other questions, what possible hope is there of solution?"

The Daily Telegraph's correspondent understands that Mr Lloyd George told yon pinions that if he believes there is any lack of solidarity or want of determination among the Allies for energetic and speedy action, he had better get rid of his illusion. Tho Supreme Council sat for two hours last evening, and agreed on a strong ultimatum demanding two millions tons of coal monthly. The delegates dispersed with a solemn air. The question of Italian co-opera-tion .will be discussed, and also there is a possibility of an American contingent participating in the new occupation. It is understood that the Belgian Chief of Staff unfolded a scheme of gradual occupation of German towns and villages, according as German obduracy persists or subsides. It is rumored tliat yon Simons made Mr Lloyd George a fresh offer. The Daily News's correspondent learns that the Italian delegates are opposed to drastic action. Formal pourparlers continued to-night. A messenger from Mr Lloyd George remained in. conference with the German delegates till a late hour. Yon Simons interviewed, said, that he did not regard the threat to. occupy Ruhr seriously, for if ( tbe> French . went there,, they .would, get nothing,, because there would be a general strike. "There-fin?©,- wo nre simply awaiting the Allies'y reply." 'The story is told .that Marshal Foch, on his arrival at 'the' Spa, was, p.-ked why ]ie'returned. He replied: ."I understand, thatI'the Affies" and Germans are riot speaking'the same language. I"''came to "; act as 'interpreter.". ' . .■■■'■',