REPARATIONS

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 3 January 1929, Page 6

REPARATIONS

(Per Press Association — Oqivright) LONDON, Jan. 1. The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” reports that in view of the impending Reparations discussion, there were two significant passages in the speeches at the ceremony of the Cabinet and diplomatic corps paying respects to President Hindenburg. Herr Mueller (German Chancellor), contested the exaggerated idea abroad that Germany had regained a state of prosperity. It was all contrary to facts. The only solution of the gigantic problems of reparations and the Rhineland would be to eliminate the war tension remaining between Germany and the Allies, and restore sincere friendly relations so essential to the maintenance of of peace. “The whole of the German people feel most bitterly because a great part of their country still lacks freedom, which we claim of Divine and human right,” said President Hindenburg, speaking at a New Year reception to the diplomatic corps. The President added: “No country feels more than Germany the disappointments encountered in striking towards peaceful progress. We are still sadly uncertain regarding the fulfilment of our justifiable expectation. Despite disappointment, we hope full self-determination will be restored to Germany in 1929, since the high ideals of mankind can be developed only by free peoples. Germany will always be entitled to use her entire strength to overcome obstacles preventing sound national progress. The co-operation of all nations is necessary to attain this goal, which is essential for the peace of Europe. BERLIN, Jan. 1. In striking contrast to the protests of President Hindenburg and Dr. Mueller, Sir Parker Gilbert’s eagerly awaited report on reparations, declares that there is no question, in the light of practical experience, concerning the ability of Germany to provide the full amount of its standard contribution under the Dawes Plan. Sir Gilbert stresses the great productivity of revenues, and urges Germany should spend less on herself. The time is approaching when more vigorous measures must be taken to keep the Germans' expenditure within available ievenues. Undoubtedly there are reserve forces of taxation still available, to which recourse could be had if necessary. The report concludes by advocating the fixing of reparations obligations, on the ground that this would remove the element of uncertainty from the economic life of all countries interested.