16 AUGUST 1975, Page 4

Lloyd George and reparations

From Lord Shinwell, PC, CH

Sir: I accept Mr Chen-ington's correction (August 9): it was Sir Eric Geddes and not Lloyd George who made the arrogant remark about squeezing the Germans on reparations. But LG was far from blameless. In the famous election of 1918 (I happened to be a candidate) LG made several promises, including one when he went so far as to declare his intention to "search the German's pockets". I am unable to recall that LG rebuked Geddes so must assume that he approved. I appear to have telescoped several observations on what to obtain from the Germans and attributed them to Lloyd George. I apologise.

Shin well House of Lords, SWI