REPARATIONS PLAN

Southland Times, Issue 20771, 11 May 1929, Page 7

REPARATIONS PLAN

TERMS OF SETTLEMENT

PROPOSAL NOT ACCEPTABLE TO BRITAIN

SOLUTION LEFT TO EXPERTS

(United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) Rugby, May 9

In the House of Commons to-day Mr Churchill, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced that the terms of the reparations settlement, foreshadowed yesterday in the Press, would, in the opinion of the Government, be unacceptable. ■_ Mr Churchill was answering questions by Colonel Gretton (Conservative) and Colonel Wedgwood (Labourite) who asked whether any statement could be made about the negotiations for settling payments by Germany under the Treaty of Versailles and whether the terms of reference to the expert committee covered alterations in the Spa percentages. Mr Churchill said the committee of experts now sitting in Paris was composed of independent representatives of the countries concerned. British members throughout. these portect-ed proceedings had been impressed by their very admirable grasp and comprehension of the whole position. The British Government had not, however, at any time sent telegraphic instructions to these gentlemen nor did it propose to do so on- this occasion. The experts must be left to reach their own conclusions. These conclusions, whatever they might be and whether agreed to or not, in no way committed the British Government, which remainded entirely free to review the whole position and take its own decision upon the work ’ and recommendations of the expert committee.

Therefore, said Mr Churchill, no urgency existed, and it would be permature as well as inexpedient for the British Government to pronounce upon particular aspects, however important they might be, at the present juncture. However, in order to prevent misunderstanding abroad and alarm at home, it was perhaps desirable to say the kind of proposals which were foreshadowed in the newspapers of yesterday would, in the opinion of the British Government, be unacceptable and the British Government would in no circumstances entertain them. Colonel Wedgwood following Mr Churchill ariketl if the terms of reference of the reparations experts would include alterations to the Spa percentages. "Have we any guarantee that we shall not be committed to any gift to France even though it is less than £100,000,009 which Mr Owen Young’s proposals would cost Britain ? Mr Churchill: I have read carefully and gravely my considered answer to the House and I do not desire in anywise to add to it.—British Official Wireless.

NO CHANGE IN SITUATION

AMERICAN’S PROPOSAL CONTESTED.

(Rec. 7.15 p.m.) London, May 10. News from Paris states that there is no change in the reparations situation. Dr. Schacht conferred with the other experts on the subject of Sir Josiah Stamp s report. It is hoped that Mr Owen Young will soon be in a position to call a full meeting. Meanwhile, Mr Young’s distributing plan is the subject of private discussion. The British attitude remains as previously stated.

It is confirmed that Mr Young’s proposal left Britain nothing for the dominions or debt arrears. The fact that the dominions are not directly represented at the conference is regarded by the British delegation as a greater reason, if a reason were needed, for not yielding on the subject of the dominions’ share. The British delegation s immediate rejection of Mr Youngs proposal to reduce this share to zero is therefore self-explanatory. The diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that he is able to reveal that the British Empire would have received only £32,500,000 out of £500,000,000 earmarked under Mr Young’s plan for reparations proper and miscellaneous claims. Our proportion of reparations would, therefore, be reduced from 23 to only 64 per centum. Incidentally, the dominions’ claim amounting to about £60,000,000 was wiped off the map by Mr Young.—Australian Press Association.