Evening star., 1922-12-31
BRITISH TO DEMAND
FINAL PREPARATIONS
SHOWDOWN|NPAR|S
Bonar Law Going to ParIey
Armed With Plan for
Full Settlement.
MORATORIUM AND CUT
IN AMENDS IN PROGRAM
Britain Sees Isolation of France in
Hughes Speech-Not to Block
Ruhr Invasion.
Ry the Associated Press.

Ry the Associated Press.
LONDON, December 30.-Since the
adjournment of the allied premiers'
meeting here on December II in order
to avoid an open break between Great
Britain and France on the subject Of
reparations there has been a flood of
rumors and reports concerping the
solution of the deadlock that Prime
Minister Bonar Law was likely to
propose when the allied representa-
tives resumed their discussions in
Paris.
Only today, however. was an
from official circles. This was to the
effect that the British premier would
go to Paris next Monday armed with
q new plan for final and complete
settlement of the whole question of
Germany's war obligations.
French Drift Away.
Immediately after the London break
down Downing streets hopes were
that the French attitude would change,
but the last fortnight has shown the
trend of French official opinion to be
away from instead Of toward the
British, with the result that Mr.. Bonar
Law yesterday presented to his cabi-
net a plan which it is stated comprises
the utmost limit Of British conces-
sions.
In its broad principles the plan is
said to be as follows:
First. Any reparations program
agreed upon in Paris must be final
one which will put a definite end to
the wranglings of the last three years
and give an opportunity for the eco
nomic reconstruction of Europe.
Moratorium Held Essential.
Second. A moratorium for Germany is
essential for a period of from two to
four years, in which tip,s- Germany
must balance her budget, stabilise the
mark and undergo general financial
reform under allied supervision, but not
under allied receivership.
Third. Reduction of the reparations
total to approximately G2,50o. .000. 900.
which, If not forthcoming after Ger
many is given a fair chance to make
good her obligations. will be obtained
by an ascending scale of economic
penalties.
British official circles discount re-
ports from Paris that the French
have formed definite. Interchangeable
plans to be enforced against the Ger
mans beginning January Is.
Surprise for POincare.
1t is stated that Premier PoincaTe
is likely to be surprised to find Mr..
Bonar Law in full sympathy with him
against the German tactics of evasion
and non-fulfillment of pledges. the
only differences of opinion being in
the method of obtaining reparations
payments, the British remaining as
unconvinced as ever that the French
plans for control of the German
sources of production will result in
anything but social and economic up
heavals in the districts taken over.
The speech of the American Secre-
tary of State last night is taken by
the British as full support of their
stand, and, while his recommendation
for a non-political board of experts
10 fix the reparations total is not new.
the British consider that his state
ment places France in an isolated
position.
Not Worried by Musaolini.
The absence of Premier Mussolini of
Italy is not likely to affect the Paris
conference, according to the British
view. 1t is recalled that Signor Mus
solini also announced that it would
be impossible for him to attend the
London meeting. but that he arrived
on time. The appointment of the Mar
Quis Della Torretta as MussolinPs
substitute is a more definite step IN
dicating that the premier will not
appear, but, inasmuch as the real al
lied differences lie between the
French and the English, the Italian
premier will not be needed, according
to the British view, unless a final
agreement is reached. when he could
. be hurriedly summoned to affix his
signature.
Theunis Most Needed.
As leader Of the fascist movement,
Signor Mussolini presents a pic
turesque figure and attracts popular
attention, but 1t Is pointed out that
the presence of tho Belgian premier,
M. Theunis. Is far more essential, for
in Paris. as during the recent London
conversations and thecopference here
last August. Belgium Is expected to
take the role of mediator. seizing
upon every point likely to bring
France and Great Britain into accord.
British officialdom is unwilling to
consider the possibility Of q dead
lock at Paris. for such a result would
be regarded as disastrous The allied
representatives must agree among
themselves. for. it is pointed out.
there Is no hope Of assistance from
America
The British debt funding commits
sion Is not expected to obtain def
mite results which could possibly have
a beneficial effect upon the Paris ne
gotiations by January Is. when tho
temporary moratorium for Germany
ends and the original reparations
schedule of 1921, involving-the pay,.
ment of f1oo,ooo.ooo annually is
again effective. not mentioning the
- 1oaatinaaa On sasa 2 c0lpnn u