BELGIUM PRESSES HER CLAIM

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16625, 6 January 1922, Page 7

BELGIUM PRESSES HER CLAIM

IN REPARATIONS DISPUTE. ENFORCING RIGHT OF PRIORITY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received January 6, 9.10 a.m.) LONDON, January 5. Ad Cannes M. Briand and Mr Lloyd George had several preliminary conversations, which are stated to have been satisfactory- Nevertheless, the atmosphere on the eve of the conference on European affairs is -by no means clear. The declaration of Fiance that submarines should not be utilised in attacks on merchantxnent has modified somewhat the feeling of resentment against France over her attitude at Washington. It is realised that Britain favours giving Germany some relief over the current year’s reparation payments in whicli she will have Italy’s support, while France sturdily opposes any further concession regarding the instalment due.

There is feeling between Belgium and France, and the former is likely to cause trouble. M. Theunys, the Belgian Premier, and his take the view that the total sum which Mr Lloyd George proposes that Germany should pay this year represents only what Belgium under the priority scheme is entitled to. If Belgium is firm on this point the Allies will ,get nothing. M. Briand accuses Belgium of pursuing a policy of isolation and warns her that she may lose her priority right. The French Premier apprehends that without Belgium’s support Britain and Italy may enforce the moratorium proposal. _