THE REPARATIONS REPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18635, 29 April 1924, Page 6

THE REPARATIONS REPORTS.

Thp published replies made by the Allied Governments to the experts' reports on reparations contaii) little that is new. They are, in effect) little more than a reduction to official language of views already expressed with sufficient clarity. Britain, Belgium and Italy have assumed an attitude which means willingness to accept and help forward any plan giving reasonable promise of producing order out of chaos, ' and relieving, the state of stagnation which has made progress impossible and diplomacy helpless. Germany has already accepted the scheme, not altogether with enthusiasm, but with evident recognition that it embodies just as favourable terms as seemed reasonably procurable. France alone remains hesitant. The kernel of the French reply is insistence on the fact that the reports are no more than recommendations, the responsibility for action resting with the Reparation Commission. It is evident that France is still reserving strength to bargain with the commission on the question of guarantees and sanctions. However mildly phrased, the reports admit of no doubt that before the plans outlined ran have any chance of success, the present French grip on the Ruhr must be relaxed. The experts say this must be done as soon as Germany takes positive steps toward setting in motion the plans which may be devised. France now says the exchange of guarantees can be effected only when Germany has effectively put the plans into execution. The difference may seem small, but it leaves the field open for protracted argument, with consequent; delay. Too much should not be made of this, however. Solid support from the other Allied Governments is assured when the Reparation Commission submits proposals. Therefore, despite the hesitant note in the French reply, the situation can still be regarded as enveloping in promising fashion.