RUHR AND REPARATIONS

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 98, 30 August 1923, Page 5

RUHR AND REPARATIONS

BELGIAN DISAPPOINTMENT.

Press Asso iation—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association London, August 23

In the introduction to its Note tho Belgian Government says that Belgium does not forgot that, when her independence was imperilled England came to her aid. Two hundred thousand subjects of the British Empire who repose on Belgian soil testify to tlv’s. These memories, which no Belgian can ever lose, have created lasting bonds of friendship and confidence. It was under tho influence of these memories that the Government found itself compelled to meet the British views and effect a work of conciliation in sending a reply on J uly 30. The Government has been painfully impressed to find its intentions and efforts were not appreciated by tho British Gqvernmcnt and that tho latter did not think the considerations developed in the letter presented sufficient interest to justify a separate reply. The references to priority in the British Note produced a painful impression in Belgium and the Government recalls that thus far Belgium has received under the priority scheme 1299 million gold marks, England 1279 million, France 1175 million and other countries 632 million.

It considers the Gorman debt fixed on May 5, 1991, may he considerably reduced, if reduced concurrently with tho inter-Allied debts, involving a total or partial cancellation of C bonds, but if these bonds are cancelled Belgium will he the loser, as she, under the Versailles Treaty, has no inter-Allied debts.

PRESS OPINION.

London, August 28,

The Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic? correspondent says the general opinion in British circles is that on the whole the Belgian note cannot he said to help towards a practical agreement among the Allies, indeed, it is deemed exceedingly disappointing, as contrary to hopes widely and confidently held the Note presents little of a constructive character, even from a financial aspect. The omission of a single reference to Britain’s proposal for an impartial commission to reassess Germany’s capacity to pay ia inexplicable, in. view of the importance attached to it in London and Washington. The newspaper Liberie says it rests with Mr Baldwin whether Belgium’s suggestion for the resumption of friendly discreet conversations will bo adopted. Belgium is right in setting aside any return to formal conversations, which only magnify 'differences and benefit no one except Germany.

Le Temps welcomes tho Belgian Note's clearness and conciliatory tone.