SOLUTION IN SIGHT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17183, 29 October 1923, Page 11

SOLUTION IN SIGHT.

BRIGHT REPARATIONS outlook. By Telegraph—Prese Association—Cop vr'ffht Australian and N.Z. Cable Asssociation. WASHINGTON, October 26. It is semi-officially announced that M Poincare, previous to the publication of the Ilughea-Curzon correspondence, had informed the Secretary qf State that he would accept an international commission of experts, to determine Germany’s capacity to pay, but that they must be named b}’ the Reparations Commission. The British Governmentyhas not yet accepted this latter feature, but observers here, commenting upon the Paris reports that France and Italy officially would announce acceptance of Mr Hughes’s plan, declare that an economic conference is now probably assured, and that all smaller differences existing between the various Powers will shortly be ironed out. In official circles in Washington it is considered that a bridge Has been created in European reparations negotiations of such a nature as may lead, eventually, to a practical plan of adjustment. This view was expressed after the French conditional acceptance of the British suggestion for a commission of experts had been communicated informally to the .State Department. Mr J. Pierpont Morgan probably will be the head of the American delegation of experts.

A reservation.

WASHINGTON, October 27. With the United States officials already in possession of expert advices regarding Germany’s economic situation. it is believed here that a conference is possible soon, with America participating under the distinct understanding that the United States is not officially cognisant of the activities of the Reparations Commission, because it is not a party to the Treaty of Versailles.

AGREEMENT REPORTED. LONDON. October 27. I The “Daily Express" says it is understood that the British Government has agreed to the restricted form of inquiry regarding Germany, which France has approved.

DANGER OF DELAY. NEW ORIv. October 26. Lord Birkenhead, interviewed, expressed pleasure that Britain and the United States had taken the latest action in the reparations situation. He added: “None the less, my opinion is that it would be a great mistake to found too much optimism thereon. France’s acceptance is doubly conditional, and the fact remains that the French intend to continue their reparations policy until Germany begins to make payments. And what will happen in Europe and Germany while expert inquiries are being made ? The material, which requires examination by experts, is incredibly complex; the figures involved are immense and bristle with controversy. How long will the examination take, what will happen in the meantime? Ts it not obvious that with every month Germany’s capacity to pay any reparations must decline, and that the risk of Germany dragging the rest of Europe to ruin is constantly increased? The fundamental situation, in my*judgment, is not profoundly affected by the happenings of the weekend.”

FRENCH QUALIFIED ASSENT LONDON, October 27. Britain has received the French assent to an international committee, but it is generally admitted that the nature’ of it puts a full dress conference* on reparations out of the question. The next step expected is that the Reparations Commission will invite the American and Allied Governments to sit- on the proposed committee. Router's Paris correspondent says it is emphasised that the committee of inquiry into Germany’s capacity is purely advisory, and that the "Reparations Commission is not bound to adopt its recommendations. THE NEXT STEP. NE W. YORK, Oct ober 26. . The Washington correspondent' of the “New York Times” says that the State Department now hopes, as a result of a general economic conference, affecting all Powers directly interested in the reparations question, that they i will make a loan to Germany, in which j American hankers will participate. The success of the proposed step is expected, especially since the United States considers the French acceptance of the American plan quite satisfactory : and not likely to limit>ihe effectiveness of the experts’ activities.