HAGUE CONFERENCE.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17787, 12 August 1929, Page 7

HAGUE CONFERENCE.

MR SNOWDEN ADAMANT. QUICK DECISION WANTED. COUNTRY SOLIDLY BEHIND HIM. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright) lAustrallan Press Assn. —United service.; THE HAGUE, August 10. The chief delegates from Italy, Belgium, France and Japan to the Reparation Conference had a private conversation to-day. Afterwards the Belgians interviewed the British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Philip Snowden. It was decided that the representatives of the six Powers concerned should meet on Sunday and re-examine the situation.

At this morning’s meeting of the Finance Committee Mr. Snowden remarked: “ I cannot longer await a decision. I do not want to remain here for the rest of my life."

The President of the British Board of Trade, Mr. W. Graham, had explained at length how deliveries in kind and the Young plan would adversely affect Britain's export trade and increase unemployment. Fallacious Arguments.

M. Cheron (France) endeavoured to prove that Britain would benefit more by the Young plan than she had done formerly. Mr. Snowden emphatically refused to accept a single one of M. arguments. He challenged the accuracy of his figures which, he declared, were capable of an entirely different interpretation. "It is time my three points were discussed," said Mr. Snowden. "It is not true to assert that the British experts in the drawing up of the Young plan were instructed by the .British Treasury." The committee adjourned until Monday, when Mr. Snowden's motion for a sub-committee to examine his three points will be debated. The Belgian delegates are trying to save the situation by proposals for transferring a final decision to Germany. They are suggesting that Germany shall pay sufficient cash in lieu of payments in kind to satisfy Mr. Snowden and that the countries which receive payments in kind shall be forbidden to re-export those goods. In an interview by a representative of the Central News Agency at midnight Mr. Snowden said: "If the conference breaks down the responsibility will not be on Britain's shoulders. M. iiriand says it is a case of five against one. That does not necessarily mean that the five are right and the one wrong. It often happens that the right is on the side of a minority."

Asked his opinion of the immediate prospects Mr. Snowden said: " The situation is not grave from my point of view, but I shall be prepared to depart at any time if there is no reason to stay.” “ No Bluffing.” When Mr. Snowden was told that the French believed lie was bluffing he said: “If they are under that illusion they had better wait and sec.” Mrs. Snowden interposed: " They do not know Yorkshiremen.’

DANGER NOT PASSED. MONDAY WILL DECIDE. ARGUMENTS NOT REFUTED. (Australian Press Association.) LONDON, August 11. The Hague Conference remains in being," but the danger of a breakdown has not passed. The position is that Mr Snowden has given the conference till Monday to make up its mind whether it will consider his points or not. Air Snowden has put Britain's point of view plainly and firmly, and he refuses to consent to the matter being shelved. The British Chancellor laid stress on the fact that M. Poincare, ex-Premler of France, promised Mr Winston Churchill that there should be no interference with the Spa percentages. The French press now realises that Mr Snowden is not bluffing. It professes the greatest indignation at his plain language, but not a single newspaper attempts to refute his arguments. The British newspapers, headed by the Times, the Daily Telegraph and the Observer, are practically solidly behind Air Snowden. QUEBEC, August 10. The former British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Winston Churchill, in an interview at Quebec, would not comment to any extent upon the attitude of Air Snowden toward the Young plan of reparation. However, he made it clear that Air Snowden’s stand had his own support. Air Churchill said the apportionments under the Dawes plan had been satisfactory, but those now projefcted were totally inadequate. ROAIE, August 10An article is published in L'lmpero to-day under heavy black headlines; “ Enough of Britain's Insatiable Voracity and Hypocrisy.” The article occupies a column of largo type. Inter alia, it says: ’ltaly has no mines, ships, colonial mandates, or priority payments. Can the same be said of Britain?"

LATER. SUPPORT FOR MR SNOWDEN. PRIAIE MINISTER’S AIESSAGE. CAUSES SURPRISE AT HAGUE. • {Australian Press, r.ssoelatlnn.i (Received August 12, 10.-50 a.m.) THE HAGUE, August 11. Air Ramsay AlacDonald has telegraphed to Air Snowden at some length, congratulating him upon his stand and heartily supporting it. The news of the Prime Alinister’s intervention has caused surprise among the non-British delegates. IVIORE HOPEFUL OUTLOOK. A BETTER ATAIOSPIIERE. BUT POSITION STILL UNCERTAIN. (Australian Press Association.} (Received August 12, 10.45 a.m.) LONDON, August 11. Reports from The Hague agree that Sunday’s exchange of views has gone far to restore harmony among the delegates, and that the atmosphere is better. Nevertheless, it is considered that the fundamental difficulties remain and a solution of the crisis is still uncertain. The conference .will meet on Alonday to continue the discussion.