WITHIN THE TREATY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18346, 12 March 1923, Page 7

WITHIN THE TREATY

PRANCE'S RIGHTS. I ANSWER TOJEKHIANY. OBLIGATIONS UNFULFILLED £100,000.000 IN ARREARS. MEDIATION NOP WANTED. By Telegraph— Association-- Copyright A. nd N.Z. PABIS. March 9. France, replying to the German Note of February 15, justifies her occupation of the Ruhr, a»d points out, first, that tho •ection of the Treaty of Versailles quoted v Germany permits the Allies, on voluntary German default, to take any treasures they think necessary; secondly, that under the London ultimatum of aja.'.-ch 1, 1922, the Allies may occupy fhe Ruhr Valley and proceed to other military action if Germany defaults. Quoting the Spa agreement regarding foal deliveries, France points out that Germany has totally failed in her obligations to make payments in cash and kind, having under-paid up to December. 1922. tiearlv £100.000.000. The German Government's order to the mines to refuse to deliver coal to the Allies made it impossible for tlie latter to act in a friendly manner and compelled them to requisition foal. France has proceeded only against Ruhr officials whose conduct endangered the safety of the Allied forces. The Note concludes: France is resolved to exact from Germany respect for the obligations Germany contracted with M. Poincare." The Foreign Affairs Committee reiter ated that Franco would not accept mediation, but was ready to listen when Germany was ready to speak.