BASIS OF NEGOTIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18685, 15 April 1924, Page 9

BASIS OF NEGOTIATION.

"REPARATIONS REPORT. OPINION IN GERMANY. COMMISSION'S APPROVAL, By Telegraph Association—Copyright. . (Received 7.30 p.m.) A. and N.Z. PARIS, April 13. The Reparation Commission has decided Chat the reports of the Committees of Expert* provide & practical basis for a speedy solution of the reparations problem. Consequently it is prepared to proceed immediately, within the limits of its functions, to approve their conclusions and adopt their methods. The commission feels compelled, however, to reserve its approval until the German Government is ready to ensure its co-operation in the scheme. j A message from Berlin states that the Committee of Che Economic Council of the Reich has recommended a conditional acceptance of the Reparation Experts' recommendations. The Government will hear the views of Che Premiers of the Federal States on Monday. There appears to be no doubt but that it will decide that the report is acceptable as a basis of negotiation for a final reparations settlement.

MR. HUGHES PESSIMISTIC.

' LENIENCY TO GERMANY. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reed. 7.30 pan.) NEW YORK. April IS. The ex-Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. W. M. Hughes, gave the Australian and New Zealand Press Association the following comment on General Dawes' committee's report. France should hardly enthuse over the plan, and will probably reject it, not only because Germany is treated very leniently, but because it provides an actual moratorium, enabling Germany to further evade her obligations. Germany, apparently, will only make a per capita payment of 14s 4d in the first year, and 35s o£d after the third year. This means a rate of taxation less than those of Britain or Australia.