YOUNG PLAN REVIEWED.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18350, 22 August 1929, Page 9

YOUNG PLAN REVIEWED.

Meetings at the Hague. NO CHANGE IN SITUATION. (British Official Wireless..) RUGBY, August 20. The situation at The Hague remains substantially unchanged. The financial experts are continuing their examination of the proposals made to the British delegation on Friday, with the object of assessing their precise value. The British delegation considered them unlikely at the best to yield more than one quarter of the annual sum of £2,450,000 required to satisfy the British claim regarding the restoration of the Spa percentages. Last evening the political chiefs met again to continue the Rhineland discussion and, according to correspondents, the British position was restated to the effect that British troops in any case will begin withdrawal next month. To-day the heads of the delegations were meeting over the luncheon table as the guests of Dr. van Blokland, Dutch Foreign Minister. A meeting took place to-day at The Hague between Mr Snowden, British Chancellor of the Exchequer, and M. Briand, French Prime Minister. An official communique states: “M. Briand, accompanied by M. Loucheur and Mr Snowden, with whom was Mr Leith Ross, took tea in the apartment of Mr Adatchi, Japanese delegate, and had a general exchange of views pending the report of the technical experts, with a view to bringing their respective standpoints into closer agreement.” In acquiescence with the request of Dr. Stresemann, German Foreign Minister, a meeting will take place tomorrow between the representatives of France, Great Britain, Italy, Belgium, Japan, and Germany. “No lightning, no thunder, no earthquake, and the conference continues. I understand Mr Snowden; he understands me,” said M. Briand, as he left the hotel where he met Mr Snowden. Signor Mosconi, chief of the Italian delegation, in a statement, said Italy was as desirous as other nations in respect of agreement, but failed to see the reason why only those terms disadvantageous to her should be honoured, while those advantageous are set aside, if the Young Plan is rejected. Italy has many claims to bring forward. During the first 27 years the Young Plan assigns Italy less than she is entitled to. Italy insists on the acceptance of the Young Plan, as a whole. The statement, it is believed, emanated from Signor Mussolini, with whom the delegation is in constant communication. It is understood that Dr. Stresemann wants to clarify Germany’s position. If the Hague Conference ends without agreement, the question is: Will Gqrmany, after September 1, pay under the Young Plan, or the Dawes Plan? It Is understood that, in view of the experts’ report, Dr. Stresemann will announce that Germany is unable to pay more than the Young Plan demands.