EUROPE'S POVERTY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18534, 19 October 1923, Page 7

EUROPE'S POVERTY.

THOUGHT FOR AMERICA.

LLOYD GEORGE'S PICTURE. BRITISH CASE STATED. By Telegraph—Press Association— (Received 6.25 p.m.) , A. and N.Z. ■■■ CHICAGO. Oct. 17. Mr. Lloyd George, -who had to cancel his engagements during the day owing to a slightly abnormal temperature, recovered sufficiently to address an immense audience to-night. ; He said he was about to give them a calm, unemotional, ukrnetorical, fair and unbiased view of Europe's position, which was of importance to every community. "The United States," lie continued, "can tolerate European disturbances easier than Britain, but I have found evidence that some important sections of United States producers are affected. Eventually all will be a&icted. Fanners admit that the serious impairment of Europe's purchasing power is injuring their exports of grain. "Europe is like a ragged man before a shop window, watching a well-dressed man buying clothes, or a well-fed man feeding. Hi 3 need is greater, but he cannot buy. Until Europe's prosperity is restored Europe cannot be a. customer. "Europe is exhausted. Fifteen million men were slaughtered or died of pestilence; 20 million are dependent on State relief; a total of 180,000,000 dollars was spent or lost by the belligerents; the machinery of trade and commerce is shattered; hunger and plague stalk thft land; children are dying in millions; men are shot down in bread riots daily; but Europe will recover. On local disturbances retarding recovery i need not dwell, nor on Russia, where things are improving rapidly.

"Reparations is the question dominating: the future of peaco or war. I am speaking not only for myself, but for the two Governments since mine, if I can appreciate their attitude. I can say that the British attitude is traditionally temperate and free from the spirit of .vengeance, : the policy which on two occasions sa»td France, from the - jf&le : jjcw b*h'£ indicted on Germany.'

"Britain says that Germany ought' to pay to the limit of her capacity, but that capacity must be reasonably interpreted. Britain opposes any policy which utilises reparation obligations as a means of destroying the prosperity, well-being and integrity of the defeated countries. The world must discover how huge sums due from one country can bo paid in currency acceptable to another. It is no use reckoning up the value of Germany's assets.

"Britain stands by this, though the war cost Britain more than a;iy other country, namely, 40,000,000,000 dollars. The Allies delay repayment of the money we advanced to them we are tho only people paying our debts."

Mr.. Lloyd George urged that Mr. 0. E. Hughes' proposal for international investigation of Germany's ability to pay should bo tried before resort to force. If Germany refused to meet the recommendation of such a conference the Allies could march all together to enforce it. Till then the Germans should not be drives to anarchy.

The speech was well received by an audience that numbered- 10,000.