Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-12-08
FINAL EFFORT
CONTINUED from Page y

| operation between France and Great
! Britain. A lesser. but none the less
| important factor, is the prevailing
! impression that NJ. Poincare's politi-
| cal existence is at stake in the policy
| for which the proposed Brussels fin
| ancial conference stands.
Unless the premiers decided in
London to convene the Brussels
| meeting many observers believe NJ.
Poincare will find his usefulness at
| an end. Others think that the French
/ premier, in the event of disagree
ment at London, would proceed to
| the execution of his plan for the oc-
| cupation of the Ruhr valley and the
| exploitation of the occupied Rhine
land before making way for some
! one else but faith in the efficiency of
! this scheme of penalties appears to
! be decreasing i'll official quarters and
many say it will never be resorted
| to.
| French optimism over the make
! up of the new. British government
has given way lately to feeling of
| pessimism in view of certain definite
| indication that Prime Minister Bonar
Law holds to substantially the same
| views on Preparations as did Mr..
Lloyd George.
| Although the British have disclos-
! ed no stated policy since the resigna
! ton of Mr.. Lloyd George, Premier
Bonar Law seems to agree with his
predecessor that Germany should be
given long moratorium from cash
payments, that the total of the in
demnity should be reduced and that
no military measures should be used
in attempts to force Germany to
pay.
NJ. Poincare's much discussed plan
of settlement, although withheld on
the eve of the last London meeting
because of the sensational Balfour
note, it expected to be placed before
the present meeting, but it appears
that he will reveal it only in it's
broad outlines. rcserving the detailed
plan for the Brussels conference.
However. it is learned that the fol-
not constituting the plan. will PROV
ably guide the French in their ar
guments in London.
One-No moratorium to Germany
without the surrender of productive
guarantee such as mines and forests.
Two-Reduction of the German
indemnity from 10000 100000 to 5O,-
OO0,0OO,OOO gold marks only on con-
dition that there be a parallel re-
duction in the French and other AL
lied debts.
Three-Revision of the percent
ages of the German payments in
favor of France. France at present
is entitled to 81 per cent, but would
claim Great Britain's % per cent i'll
return for fixing the indemnity at
the suggested amount.
Four-When the voluntary default
of Germany is definitely established,
or when Germany refuses to carry
out the financial reforms of balanc-
ing her budget and stabilzing her
mark, penalties would be imposed.
These would include extension of the
!. Allied occupation of the Ruhr so as
to permit customs Gordon around
that territory. and the economic ex-
ploitation and general administra-
ton of the Rhineland.
On the other hand. the British.
backed by Italy and Belgium. hold
that it is useless to convene the
Brussels meeting unless there is a
clear preliminary understanding on
certain points which NJ. Poincare
would leave for consideration at
Brussels.
These are the fixing of reason
able sum of indemnity and the
method of it's payment; redistribu.
ton of the payments among the AL
lies. cancellation of the Allied debts
so far as possible. without affecting
America, methods by which Ger
many's finances can be restored I'M
der Allied control, and the raising of
a loan for Germany.
1t was evident tonight that an
Allied agreement is impossible if NJ.
Poincare insists upon military meas
sures to coerce Germany, but there
are indications that Nd. Bonar will
agree to seizure of the German
mines and forests if France aban-
dons her so-called Ruhr plan.
When the Allied debts come up.
it is certain that the position of the
United States will be thoroughly dis
cussed. Therefore there is much
speculation regarding the presence
in London of the American ambassa-
doris to Germany and Belgium a few
days before the premier's meeting.
The question is asked, will America
play some important part behind
the scenes or openly, during tie
conference?
The participation of Premier Mus
solini. of Italy. adds q note of I'M
certainty, in the opinion of officials
since he has announced that he will
demand greater share of the Ger
man indemnity for Italy.
The respite given Germany en-
Aug. 81 last expires on Jan. Is. when
she is scheduled to pay 5OOOOO,OO0
gold marks. One thing appears GER
tain, namely, that if no agreement
I is reached in London, France will
never consent to further relief for
Germany without the definite guar
antees already ruggested.