ALLIES STAND FIRM

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10816, 4 February 1921, Page 6

ALLIES STAND FIRM

GERMANY MUST PAY NO INTENTION TO DEPART FROM DECISIONS. GERMAN tfUTCRY. Br Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association LONDON, February 2. It is authoritatively stated that there is not ‘ the slightest intention to depart from the decisions of the Paris Conference, p»" to discuss with the Germans on any other basis than the demands now made. “ IMPOSSIBLE TO PAY ” VOX SIMONS UTTERS A WARNING. Reuter’s Telegram. BERLIN, February 2. Herr vnn Simons (Minister for Foreign Affairs, in his speech in the Reichstag, defended the Government against reproach for not having advanced proposals. Regarding the Allies’ demands, he uttered a warning against what he described ns the superstition that more was obtainable from Germany by dictation than negotiation. He added that it was impossible, even in the most flourishing pre-war days, to meet the Allies’ demands. The whole settlement was obscure, and contained contradictions to the Treaty. It spelled complete economic enslavement of the people, especially the workers. The proposed export tax would throttle the export industry. He asserted that the Allies could not punish Germany for not accepting the Eroposals, otherwise they would no mger be proposals, but threats.. The Allies’ threat to refuse Germany entry to the League of Nations was prema- . lure, as Germany had not asked tor admission. At .present the inducement to enter was not so great as to counteract the terrors of non-entry. SPEECH DESCRIBED AS INSOLENT LONDON, February 2. The morning papers characterise Herr von Simons’s speech as insolent, and the Reichstag scene as a" carefully stagemanaged comedy, with the view of forwarding the Berlin Government’s plan to pay how much and when the Government pleases. The speech is regarded as a banging of the big drum, with the view to keeping the door open for fresh negotiations at the London conference, when the Germans hope to meet the Allies on an equal footing. SUPPORT FOR MINISTER FEAR OF ECONOMIC ANNIHILATION. (Received February 3, 9.10 p.m.) BERLIN, February 3. Herr Schuffer, as spokesman for the Democrat*, Centre and People’s parties, approved Herr Simon’s speech. He said that the demands were not compatible with the Treaty and the honour and economic needs of Germany. He hoped the Government would secure terms restoring peace and security; otherwise the parties named would support the Government in reJ fusing the conditions, which amounted to the economio annihilation of . Germany now and in the future. Other speakers followed in a similar strain, but Herr Hergt (Nationalist) emphasised the disarmament terms, and said that the Government should maintain a firmer tone. The debate was again _ adjourned after the Independent Socialists had blamed the militarists for the disarmament conditions. The impression in Entente circle* is that the debate will not contain developments. The only purpose of the speeches is to show that Germany is united.