FRANCE AND BRITAIN.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15321, 23 August 1923, Page 5

FRANCE AND BRITAIN.

REPARATIONS ISSUE

PROGRESSIVE EVACUATION,

OCCUPATION FULLY JUSTIFIED*

Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn. Received August 23. 12.30 p.m. PARIS, August 22. The French Note has been issued. It asks the Allies lo credit France with twenty-six milliard gold marks in A and B bonds, and also credit her with C bonds to the amount that will be sufficient to meet French obligations, under the head of Allied debts. It declares the Ruhr occupation fully justified by treaty and Allies' declarations, notably in the Spar protocol in July, 1920. France claims that the cessation of passive resistance is an essential condition precedent to further conversations on the occupation. Once passive resistance ceases the occupation will be modified definitely. R suggests that if resistance ceases France will undertake to guarantee the progressive evacuation of Ruhr in proportion as Germany makes payments under conditions altogether different from those now obtaining. France does not intend remaining in Ruhr longer than is necessary; she has no aims of a political or annexationist character. France recognises her debts, but is forced to declare that she can only pay after she Ims received what is due from Germany; also France, in addition to twenty-six milliard gold marks, will claim " the amount the Allies claim from her. Thus the less the Allies claim from her the smaller will be the amount Germany will have to pay. This method will not necessitate a revision of the treaty, whereas the British suggestions, if carried into effect, would destroy several clauses. Prance considers it ought to be easy to come to an understanding for ■ the earliest possible settlement of that part of the German debt corresponding with the cost of reconstruction of the devastated regions, leaving fop later consideration the second part, and also the question of war debts.