Monday, Oct. 29, 1923

Futile Discussions

Dr. von Hoesch, German Charge d'Affaires at Paris, called on Premier Poincare. Herr Roediger, German Charge d'Affaires at Brussels, called on Foreign Minister Jaspar. Both Germans tried to obtain permission to enter into negotiations on a Ruhr settlement; both were rebuffed. Premier Poincare said afterwards that the visit of Dr. von Hoesch was an attempt by the German Chancellor, Herr Stresemann, to create a world prejudice against France, the position being that Germany had done all possible to effect a settlement of the Ruhr dispute; therefore, it was incumbent upon France to take full responsibility for present conditions.

Chancellor Stresemann denounced French aims, which, he said, were aimed at the disruption of the German Reich: " We herewith definitely and finally discontinue any and all reparation deliveries and any and all reparation payments to France, and are fully conscious of the consequences."

The news of the week showed conclusively that the Ruhr dispute between Germany and France retroceded from and did not advance toward a settlement. (For the German situation, which directly affects the Ruhr, see GERMANY.)