BRITISH EXPERTS CRITICISE YOUNG REPARATIONS REPORT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18785, 14 June 1929, Page 6

BRITISH EXPERTS CRITICISE YOUNG REPARATIONS REPORT.

DOUBT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL BANK

(United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, June 13. The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph ” writes: “M. Briand and Dr Stresemann are reported to have privately discussed the assembly of an international conference to endorse the Young Report, and to consider the anticipated evacuation of the Rhineland. They have not endeavoured to reach a concrete agreement, in the absence of a representative of the present British Government. The magnitude of the problems would warrant the presence of the Prime Ministers. Mr MacDonald, at any rate, intends to be present and M. Poincare may be convinced of the expediency of a direct exchange of views with his British_colleagues. “ Some of the highest financial authorities in Britain severely criticise the Young Report, on the ground of Britain’s loss of £200,000.000 of arrears in respect to our initial debt and repayments to America, and doubt whether the International Bank is workable. They fear, if it is workable, that it may be used to finance German ex- 1 ports to the detriment of British.”— Australian Press Association.

The Balfour Note laid down the principle that Britain would only demand from her Allies and in reparations a sufficient amount to cover her obligation to the United States. Mr Churchill, speaking recently in the House of Commons, said that the total amounts paid to the United States Government on account of British war debts to date and received on account of Allied war debts to date were, respectively:— Paid by Great Britain to United States £246.600,000 Received by Great Britain £33,700,000 These figures showed that Great Britain had paid America £212,900,000 more than she had received on account of Allied war debts. That amount is the arrears referred to, that Britain has sacrificed in respect of anticipated receipts from Germany.