ALLIES’ CLAIMS RECOGNISED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 294, 6 April 1921, Page 5

ALLIES’ CLAIMS RECOGNISED.

DESIRE TO MAKE REPARATION.

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) , WASHINGTON, April 4. Dr. von Simons, in, a memorandum," says it is the earnest desire of the German Government to reach accord with the Allied Governments and meet their requirements os far as possible. Tho assertion that Germany is to recognise her reparation* 'obligations is incorrect. It is clear not ( only to tho Gorman Government, but to il’io German people that Germany must make reparation to the limit of her ability. L)r. von Simons points out that Germany lias offered labour, technical advice and material assistance for the building up of the devastated regions, but tho offers have not even readied the point f of diplomatic exchange. The German Government intends to submit , fresh proposals to France regarding the rebuilding of devastated areas. Germany is willing to assume the obligations of interest and amortization, of Allied foreign, debts within the limit /of her capacity, should such measures bo acceptable to the Allies and their creditors. The State Department lias published tho text of the informal Note presented to tho German Government. It declares that the American Government is pleased to note in Dr. von Simons’ memorandum an unequivocal expression' of tho German Government’s desire to afford reparation to the limit of Germany’s ability. The United States stands .with the Allied Governments in holding that Germany was responsible for the war, and. therefore, is morally bound to make reparation us far as possible. Tho United States believes that the recognition of this obligation is the only sound basis on - which can bo built a firm and just peace, under which the various nations of Europe can achieve economic independence and stability. _ Tho United States recognises in Dr. von Simons’ memorandum Germany’s _ sincere desire to ro-open negotiations, which once resumed may load to a prompt settlement which will satisfy the Allies’ just claims.—A. and N.Z. cable,

NO FRESH NEGOTIATIONS.

LONDON, April 4

The Prime Minister stated in the House of Commons that negotiations had not been re opened with Germany over reparations.—A. and N.Z. cable. WHAT AMERICA MEANS. WAS I IINGTON, • April 4. There is some misinterpretation of a single important sentence in Mr Hughes’ memorandum to Germany reading: “The United Stales Germany’s sincere desire to reopen negotiations with the Allies on’a new basis.” A portion of the press is inclined to think that this means the rewriting of the Versailles Treaty,’ but the State 'Department’s moaning is_ a resumption of the reparation negotiations, which were'summarily ended at London recently. Ofltciul circles are anxious that there be. no wrong reading of Mr Hughes’ meaning.— A. and X.Z. cable. THE VERSAILLES TREATY. AMERICA WILL NOT RATIFY. Received April 6, 8.45 a.m... WASHINGTON,:ApriI 5. President Harding told some newspaper men that ho is convinced that there is no practical way in which the United States can consider ratifying the • Versailles Treaty. He denied approving of the immediate passage of tho Kbox peace resolution.—A. and N.Z. cable.