“FAMILY BUSINESS"

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 13 May 1920, Page 5

“FAMILY BUSINESS"

AUSTRALIA AND REPARATION

MR WATT’S MISSION

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian & N.Z, Cable Association) j

LONDON, May 11

Mr Watt, outlining to British journalists the objects of his mission, said that amongst other tilings the people of Australia entertained strong opinions on the payment of reparation by Germany. Whether British opinion on the subject had become more ■ indulgent in the pasttwelve months or not he was unable to judge. but the Australian conviction had not. altered and looked to a resolute observance of the Treaty. The Australian public did not want German goods. He would be very surprised if Australia’s portals" were opened to German trade in the present generation; He, had not come with complaints but simply to have, a talk on family business. Tie had propounded a scheme for dealing, with Empire debts, but so far had not received a reciprocal reply. “John Bull and Company”, bad not held enough meetings of the board of directors. You could not run a firm so huge altogether by correspondence and cablegrams. The junior partners may not hold identical opinions with the senior, but consideration of different, points of view would avert misunderstanding and conduce to unity and'harmony. Australia was keen on her job and the principal job was to preserve the great southern outpost for the British people. Australians bad a religious pride of blood and faith in the Empire partnership. They had emerged from the grim struggle more resolutely British than before. LONDON, May 12.

The Financial News says that Mr Watt will cause a flutter in the official dovecot. Australia expects to get a good Jump of +he German indemnity m May, [on Moreover Australia W de< termined not to do any business with Germany. That is the kind of talk needful when German officials dre frittering away millianls of money rather than meet utilities to the Allies. We fear, however, it will not secure an indemnity., .