OPINION IN FRANCE

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11409, 4 January 1923, Page 5

OPINION IN FRANCE

BRITISH SCHEME UNPOPULAR. ’ 'FORMIDABLE DISILLUSIONMENT." (Received January 3, 8.45, p.m.) / PARIS, January 8. It is declared in official circles that France cannot accept less than £1,300,000,000, which is still required for the devastated regions. It is contended that the transfer to Britain of the bonds received in respect to the Belgian debt would give Britain the right of priority on the German payment, which follows the payment under Belgium’s priority rights. • Official opinion doubts Mr Bonar Law’s authorship, declaring that the proposals distinctly upset the Versailles Treaty by suppressing the Reparations Commission!" _ , One high authority describes the proposals as a formidable disillusionment. Another says: “Even Mr Ramsay Macdonald could produce a better plan.’’ One serious view is that the proposals indicate a desire to play the game of Germany. It is reported that M. Theunis and M. Jaspar (Belgium) support M. Poincare’s demand that the French plan be the basis of the dismissions, and that M. Poincare insists that the continuation of the Conference he conditional on the acceptance of his demand.