THE REPARATIONS

Southland Times, Issue 19223, 19 April 1924, Page 5

THE REPARATIONS

EXPERT RECOMMENDATIONS ACCEPTED BY GERMANY FRANCE AND THE RUHR. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association), PARKS, April 16. (Received April 18, 5.5 pan.). A .Note, which has been handed the Reparations’ Commission, says that the German Government considers the experts’ reports offer a practical basis for a rapid solution of the Reparations problem. , The Government, therefore, declares its willingness to collaborate in the execution of the experts’ plans. FRENCH POLICY JUSTIFIED. M. POINCARE’S DECLARATION. “NO QUESTION OF RELEASING HOLD ON RUHR.” PARIS, April 17. At a Republican banquet M. Poincare declared that the experts’ reports did not amount to condemnation of the French foreign policy, particularly the occupation of the Ruhr, but they constituted a most eloquent justification of it. They proved that Germany had fictitiously impoverished herself, and that she was now able to pay. It now behoved the Reparations Commission to prepare a definite plan, to ensure that Germany shall promptly enact the necessary legislation, and to organise the control recommended by the experts. It was only after Germany had fulfilled her obligations that she would be entitled to request withdrawal from the Ruhr. The awakening of German Imperialism rendered it France’s duty to remain alert. “France,” said M. Poincare, “will loyally seek agreement with the Allies in the cause of humanity. There can be no question of withdrawing from the Ruhr before the payment of debts to us, nor of releasing our hold without safeguarding the means of restoring it immediately in case of need.” A Berlin message states that the leaders of the Social Democrats, also of the nonSocialist parties, have intimated their approval of the Government’s action in connection with the Reparations Experts’ report. ITALIAN VIEW. “A SUITABLE BASIS.” ROME, April 16. (Received April 18, 7.5 p.m.). It is semi-officially estimated that at a meeting between Signor Mussolini and Italian experts, it was decider! that the experts’ reports provide a suitable basis for the solution of the Reparations question. GETTING TO WORK. A REQUEST TO GERMANY. PARIS, April. 18. (Received April 19, 2 a.m.) The Reparations Commission has requested Germany to prepare the text of the laws necessary to inaugurate the Expert Committee’s recommendation, and to nominate representatives on the Commission authorised to carry out the railway and industrial proposals contained in the report.