Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-12-11
BRITAIN KEEPING
CLOSE TABS ON WAR
DEBTORS OF EUROPE

London. Dec. 10.-(By A. P.e
Resumption of debate on the kings
address to parliament tonight
brought from Sir John Simon, a
prominent Liberal. lin the house of
commons. the question of the Fran
co-American debt conversations. He
said 1t would be intolerable If Great
Britain was to have no say in re-
adjustment of the debt issue between
the United States and France and
he wanted ia know how far Pre-
mier Baldwin regarded these allied
\ debts as assets.
Winston Spencer Churchill, chan
cellor of the exchequer, requested
the house to have consideration for
him, as he was new in the duties
OF the Ichancellorship. He said he
was most anxious in dealing with
such a delicate matter to avoid the
use OF any language likely to cause
Offense to "our allies and friends"
Mr.. Churchill said he was to atz
tend the meeting Of the allied fl.
nance ministers in Paris in Janu-
airy and he was sure every party in
the house would wish that that meet
Ing should not be Nmarred by acri-
mony.
The chancellor then alluded Ito
Great Britain's tremendous sacrifices
and burdens in the war, which he
said entitled her to respect from
every quarter.
I'VE have not hitherto pressed any
allied debtors to meet their obliga-
tions," Mr.. Churchill continued, land
this policy has imposed great sac
rifices on the British taxpayers.
He then argued that whatever
opinions might have since been ex-
pressed about the settlement of the
debt funding settlement with the
United States negotiated by MIR.
Baldwin, it had been almost uni
verSally accepted at the time it
was made. There could, however,
be no dispute with regard to two
points: First. that the settlement was
an accomplished one and must be
made good: it formed the starting
point for all future discussions in
the field of inter-allied debts. and
second. lit has placed Great Britain
In IN extraordinarily strong position
when we take our seat in the council
of the allied powers"
1.-THE second great factor in the
problem is the Balfour note of three
years ago. which must play a most
important part in future discussions
of this subject. The principle ex-
ressed in the Balfour note which
Element was arranged, was that
Great Britain should ask as much
and no more from Europe than the
United States might find it necessary
to require from her. That still forms
the foundation of our policy"
Touching on the improved aspect
Of reparations from Germany under
the Dawes plan. he said:
I'VE might get 100000 pounds
sterling from Germany this year.
!! and there is the possibility eventual
ly of getting 25.OO0.WO pounds
sterling yearly. Nobody, however,
can say how far these hopes will be
realized. Germany's recovery may
be delayed and the hopes of the
Dawes committee may remain unful-
filled for many years.
THE arrangement we seek to meet
with our European allies must be
on such a basis as to safeguard us
within the limits of the Baifour note
from the consequences of German
default or failure"
But" Mr.. Churchill declared. I'VE
do not desire to hinder any arrange
ment for mutual benefit between
friendly nations associated with us
in the great war"
The chancellor then said the Brit
ish government would consider it
essential that any payments made by
Great Britain's creditors in Europe
to their creditors in the United
States should be accompanied stimuli
taneously by proportionate payments
to Great Britain. This statement
evoked loud cheering from the min
isterial and liberal bench.