NO AGREEMENT

Southland Times, Issue 20664, 20 April 1929, Page 7

NO AGREEMENT

REPARATIONS QUESTION

GERMANS PERSIST IN DEMANDS

REFUSAL TO RAISE OFFER

(United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.)

(Rec. 9.5 p.m.) Paris, April 19. Reports that the reparations conference had resulted in a deadlock spread rapidly, but that scarcely represented the actual facts, though the situation is critical. What happened was that the sub-committee which was appointed in an endeavour to bridge the gap between tlje German and Allied proposals failed after five hours' strenuous work to agree. Dr. Schacht was courteous but firm, and did not budge one inch. The sub-commit-tee will report its failure to-day to a plenary session of the experts, who are faced with the responsibility of making a grave decision if there is no hope of an agreement. It will probably wind up ten weeks' work of the finest financial brains in Europe with majority and minority reports. The German offer is at present about equivalent to two-thirds of the sum required to meet the Allies’ reduced demands. It is stated that Dt. Schacht refused to raise the offer one pfennig. The Press reveals that Dr Schacht at the eleventh hour introduced the political element by making an offer of £82,500,000 yearly for 37 years. Australian Press Association.

FRENCH PRESS COMMENT.

LAST WORD NOT SPOKEN

(Rec. 12.15 a.m.) Paris, April 19. Commenting on the reparations deadlock, the Petit Parisian opines that an over-tragic view should not be taken; the Germans have not said the last word. Dr. Schacht has apparently lost control of himself. Much time will be required to dispel the dark clouds due' to his meladroitness. The Echo de Paris declares that the Ambassador, Herr von Hoesch, informed M. Briand two days before the funeral of Marshal Foch that Germany would not tolerate the Rhineland Commission longer than 1935, adding that Germany would again ask for immediate evacuation relying on expected assistance following the British general election. —Australian Press Association.