NOT IMMEDIATELY

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22611, 16 May 1945, Page 5

NOT IMMEDIATELY

MEETING OF BIG THREE REPARATIONS QUESTION PREVENTING REARMAMENT (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received May 16, 11.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, May 15 President Truman told a press conference that he had discussed a J meeting of the Big Three with Mr # Eden but no definite decision had yet been made. He hoped that the conference would be soon, but did not believe it would be held immediately. Mr Truman issued the rollowing statement: “A fair, workable settlement of reparations poses some most difficult problems. The entire postwar adjustment of these questions is closely related to the task of ensuring a lasting peace. For that reason the right answers will be vital to the security of America and the world. “I personally concur in the general view of our objectives as shared by Ambassador Pauley and Dr. Lubin. Absolute insurance against German or Japanese rearmament ever again comes first with us. I believe further that our Allies are of one mind with us on this point and that with such basis of agreement the way will be clear for a just and equitable schedule of German reparations—reparations ‘in kind’ which will pro- j vide maxiimim rehabilitation and restoration of over-run territory. The men chosen for this vital mission! should inspire confidence in all ! Americans.” (Mr Pauley is United States member of the Reparations Commission. Dr Lubin is Mr Pauley's associate). Free Press in Germany President Truman said he and General Eisenhower were in agree- i ment that a free press should pre- j vail in Germany in a manner con- ] sistent with military security. He , added: ‘‘This is a reversal of the ; position taken last week by the head , Officer of War Information, Mr Elmer j Davis, who contended that in forma- | tion reaching the Germans be strictly controlled.” Mr Truman said Mr Davis acted in good faith but misunderstood the policy agreed upon. The President i then issued a statement saying: “General Eisenhower has advised me that he has issued no policy or order dealing with the importation of publications into Germany. He expressed the personal opinion that a free press and free flow of information and ideas should prevail in Germany in a manner consistent with military security. “General Eisenhower emphasised, however, that there can be no restoration of a free German press until the elimination of the Nazis and militarist influence has been completed. We are not going to lose the peace by giving a license to racialist pan-Germans and Nazi militarists so that they can misuse democratic rights to attack democracy as Hitler did.” Loans of Last War Mr Truman said he was in favour of repeal of the Johnson Act which places restrictions on private loans to countries in default on last war obligations. Mr Truman read from President Roosevelt’s message to Congress in January asserting that repeal of the Act was necessary to achieve an adequate flow of e ential trade. Mr Truman added: “President Roosevelt’s statement is as true as it can be.” The President said there could be no reduction of taxation until the war against Japan was completely won.

GERMANS TO WORK IN ITALY (Received May 16. 11 a.m.) ROME, May 15 The Italian Prime Minister, Signor Bonomi, announces that the Allies were prepared to place 200,000 German prisoners of war at Italy’s disposal to repair damage caused by the . Germans.