SUPREME COUNCIL.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2006, 23 December 1921, Page 5

SUPREME COUNCIL.

CAUSE OF SUMMONING. INTERESTING SPECULATION. BRITISH AM) FRENCH POLICY. [By Electric Cable —Copyright.] LAuat. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Thursday, 9.15 p.m.) LONDON, December 22. The sudden decision to summon the Imperial Council has given rise to considerable speculation regarding the result of the meeting between M. Brivnd and Mr Lloyd George. It is possible that the statesmen failed to agree on the most essential points. Likewise, it is possible that they achieved a far-reaching agreement. The assembly of the Council is imperative in either case. The Australian Press Association understands that the first is the most probable, but whichever is true, British statesmen and economic Industrial authorities are all profoundly impressed by the urgency of the need to bridge the gulf dividing ithe British and French policies. Britain's two millions of unemployed and the staggering taxation have crippled industry and commerce. All demand the speediest remedy, which is impossible while the European exchange and finance are in a chaotic state. An Anglo-French agreement is essential for this purpose. CONFERENCE OF PREMIERS. LONDON, December 21. The greatest secrecy is maintained regarding the conference between M. Briand and Mr Lloyd George. It is reported that there has been very plain speaking on both sides. It now appears impossible to conclude the conference to-morrow as intended, certain difficulties having arisen compelling its continuance over the weekend. It is considered unlikely that any decisions will be taken, but a meeting of the Supreme Council will be summoned for January, either in Paris'or San Remo, where a proposal will be submitted on the questions of reparations and the .economic restoration of Europe. CONFERENCE AT CANNES. (Received Thursday, 8.20 p.m.) London, December 21. Downing street conference has decided to summon the Supreme Council for the first week in January at Cannes, whither Mr Lloyd George goes in the middle of next week.

CAN GERMANY PAY? (Received Thursday, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 21. It ts understood that the French delegates regard Germany's declaration of her ability to pay as a deliberate attempt to evade the claims. They favour stern measures, including a control over the German finances. Britain admits that Germany will be hard pressed to meet the January and February payments, but does not favour financial control in Germany on the ground that it would be certain to involve the downfall of the Government, increasing instead of decreasing the chaos. Experts are trying to find a common ground between the views.