Daily Kennebec journal., 1923-04-14
Decision of Ministers at
Paris Meet - Meas
ures to Be Taken Not
Made KnOWn-Brit-
ain Would Have Say
in Event Germany
Offers Proposition

Paris, April 13-(By A. P)-The
French and belgian government min
istcrs ut their meeting here this aft
crnoon decided upon new measures
OF pressure to be applied to Germany
If she remains unyielding on the
reparations question. The nature Of
the measures was not disclosed, but
the ministers announced in an official
comInuniquc that they arc dter-
mined to continue pressure until the
Berlin government makes direct
overtures for a settlement
The meeting was participated in
by premiers Poincare and Theunis,
various members of their cabinets
interested in reparations problems,
and a number of experts. AS in the
case of the recent conference at
Brussels. the session was largely de-
voted to technical questions in con-
nection with the occupation of the
Ruhr and efforts under way to make
productive the guarantees seized
there.
The ministers revised reports on
the occupation to date. with details
OF all the costs and of the movement
of fuel. Deliberations Will probably
be continued tomorrow.
The allied representatives confined
themselves to discussion of the de-
tails of the occupation and the prin-
cipal that it would be continued and
extended until Germany yields, and it
is authoritatively stated that MOTH
ing else would be considered at the
conference. France and Belbium
have no intention Of celebrating "a
plan Of settlement, it is said. when
the time comes to consider any pro-
position Germany may make, it will
be necessary that the British take
part in the conversations.
Talk Of new plan under consid-
Grafton, which is confined 10 a very
limited section Of the French press is
regarded as a well -intentioned desire
to begin the preparation of the
French people for such concessions as
France eventually may be required
to make in order to reach complete
accord with Great Britain. Official
circles, however, say it is illtimed
and that it has no foundation in fact.
The recent visit to London Of Louis
LOucheur, former French Minister OF
Liberated Regions. and his interviews
with British statesmen on the repara-
tlons question, undoubtedly will be
tho subject of conversations at the
formal social functions in honor of
the Be!gians, but there is little pros
pect that it Will apcpar on the agendl
of the conference.
The trip to London Of Louis Klot,
former Minister Of Finance. has
greatly diminished the Importance
that was at first attached to NJ.
Loucheur's visit. The Intervention
OF prominent public men such as
these two is explained in political
circles as being due only to their
personal desire to have a leading part
in a solution of the reparations prob
lem. The government. it is pointed
out. could not refuse to hear reports
OF what they were able to learn re-
garding the attitude Of the British
statesmen without provoking adverse
criticism itself.
Premier Poincare. il is understood.
may exchange views with the Eel
Gians as to a possible basis Of dis
Cussion with tho Germans when the
latter signify that they arc ready to
negotiate. but nothing will he decided
even tentatively until the time comes.
when the question will come up be-
fore all the allies
France is particularly anxious not
to forcstall Great Britain in anyway
on reparations and il is held in off,
cial circles that nothing useful can
be accomplished in making prepara-
tions for a final settlement without
British participation.