ALLIED PREMIERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 26 June 1924, Page 5

ALLIED PREMIERS

COMING LONDON CONFERENCE AMERICA’S CUSTOMARY “OBSERVER” (By Electric Tv-egrtiph.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) NEW YORK June 24. The spokesman for .'White House has declared that the United States would undoubtedly be, represented by the customary unofficial observer at the InterAllied Conference of Premiers in London scheduled for 16th July, but would not he officially represented. The spokesman explained that the Government, while eager to assist in the solution of European problem, was equally anxious- to avoid action interpretable as interference in European political affairs. Ho added that the United States had not yet received a formal invitation to participate in the conference, for which reason no formal statement could yet be issued. Official circles believe that neither Mr Hughes, who will reach London on 20th July, to attend trie American Bar Association Convention, nor Mr Dawes, will be able to participate officially or unofficially at the conterence. WASHINGTON, June 24.

In reference to the proposed InterAllied Conference in London next month to consider a means of putting the Dawes plan into effect, it is intimated that the United States Government does not- intend to participate. President Coolidge feels that it must he recognised that America has gortain interests, direct- and indirect, but that these would not be served by active participation.

FRANCE AND THE RUHR

(Published in The Times.)

PARIS, June 24. The Paris correspondent of The Times says that although French public opinion welcomes with sincere satisfaction the prospect of closer co-opera-tion with Britain, there undoubtedly exists a real uneasiness at the change of French policy, to which M. Herriot, the Premier, has committed himself. It has been so long drummed into the ears.of the French people that only the occupation of the Ruhr - will compel Germany to pay, and that France will only evacuate the Ruhr in proportion as Germany effects the required payments that any suggestion of the abandonment of military occupation of the Ruhr fills them with something akin to dismay. They may yet be persuaded, however, that this tangible, pledge can be replaced by guarantees of an equivalent value.

HOPES OF CLOSE CO-OPERATION

BRUSSELS, June 24

M. Herriot communicated with; MM. Theunis and Hymans details of his conversations with Mr MacDonald, which according to a subsequent statement by M. Theunis permit the hope of close co-operation between Britain, France, -Italy and Belgium with a view to carrying out the experts’ plan.

MUTUAL DEFENCE PACT

LONDON, June 25

Diplomatic writers and Paris correspondents emphasise the two main points believed to have been discussed by MHerriot and Mr MacDonald. It is understood M. Herriot favours the rapid commercialisation of the German debt taking up various series of railway, industrial and other bonds as_ provided for in the Dawe3 report and linking therewith tiie Ruhr evacuation, so that a proportion of French and Belgian troops will he withdrawn as each issue is disposed of. The other point emphasised is the mutual defence pact between England, France, Belgium and Italy, and possibly Czecho-Slovakia pending a wider "pact when Germany is admitted to the League of Nations. The Morning Post Paris correspondent affirms the suggestions embodied in the agreement, to which Belgium is expected to assent. A significant rumour is current in Brussels that Mr MacDonald telegraphed M. Herriot saying that .the protocol bo published. British official circles, however, deny that Mr MacDonald gave M. Herriot any written undertaking.

PROPOSED MILITARY INVEST!

GATION

BERLIN, June 25.

Cabinet is discussing to-day the ’Allied Note in regard to military control. It is expected a reply will be sent at the end of next week. No doubt the Cabinet will accept the Allies’ demands provided the proposed military investigation is really the control commission’s last action and that ' thereafter the League of Nations will take dharge of the matter. ,