RUHR AND REPARATIONS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16120, 8 May 1923, Page 3

RUHR AND REPARATIONS

REJECTION OF CUXO’S OFFER

iF.lec Tel Copyright—United Press Assn.) .'Australian amt N.Z (.'ante Association! LONDON, Mav 7

The French reply was published too late for detailed comment in the English newspapers.

The Daily Telegraph regrets that Franco rejected more than file contents nl Curio’s offer on reparations, for she rejected also the British Government's appeal for concerted action which Earl ( urzon proposed.

F 1 LA XC< )-R ELG IA X R E PLY.

GERMAN PROPOSALS UN ACCEPT

ABLE

NO GUARANTEE OF PAYMENT

i,Australian and N Z. Cable Association.)

(Received .May 8, 11 a.m.) PARIS, May 7. The Franco-Belgian reply to the German note, handed to Die German t barge d’Affairs, commences with a denial of the German assertion that Franco and Belgium bad contravened the Treatv of Versailles. On Die other hand sevbVal of Germany’s proposals are in direct opposition to the clauses of the treaty.

I lie reply insists, that, the seizure of places was done without he slightest violence oil the part of France and Belgium. and it was only orders from Berlin that prevented the. collaboration of the German workers, traders and engineers with the French and Belgians; also Die Germans’ resistance was more active than passive, and France and Belgium cannot consider any German proposals while this violent resistance continues.

The reply declares that Germany's proposals, from several points’ of view, are entirely unacceptable. The total amount offered does not represent a quarter of Die sum fixed by the Reparations Commission, and recognised by Germany as Die amount of her debt to the Allies. France and Belgium cannot accept any reduction of Die debt. They must have the money to pay for the disaster inflicted by the German invasion. The reply adds : ‘ While the devastated areas arc allowed to remain in devastation, Germany continues to build factories in Ruhr and elsewhere. France and Belgium will not tolerate this injustice. Germany is really demanding a complete moratorium for threo and a half years. There is no guarantee that France’s milliards will be paid at the date indicated. Despite all the Allies have done to encourage Germany to its tore her finances and stabilise the monetary system, the Germans give no indications as to how they are going to do this, nor what legislative measures they are prepared to take, nor Die resources they will use to guarantee the loan. France and Belgium went to Ruhr to place a hand on their guarantee. and the territory will be evacuated only as reparations are paid off.”

BRITISH CABINET CONSIDERS NOTE.

(Received April 0, 12.35 p.m.)

LONDON, May 7

Cabinet, discussed Die German note, together with Die Franco-Belgian reply. It stated that while the proposals are considered unsatisfactory, it is extremely unlikely Cabinet will decide to send an emphatic no. It is hoped, the door will be left- open so that Germany can see the way to make a- further offer, which would he Die basis of negotiations.