29 JULY 1922, Page 1

M. Poincare, who regards the Germans with grave suspicion, made

it clear that he would only agree to a temporary suspen- sion of the payments to be made by Germany. •He would give her Government six weeks in which to show whether they really meant to reform their finances. At the end of that time it would be seen whether Germany could or would put her finances strbight •and make an honest attempt to meet her obligations.

M. Poincan3 is .to discuss the question in London next week with the Prime Minister. It has been reported in the American Press that Mr. Lloyd George is prepared to wipe out our War loans to France if the French will abate their demands for reparation. There is no confirmation of this report, nor has the suggestion been received with much favour in Paris. But it is becoming more and more clear, as time passes, that some action will have to be taken in respect of these European War debts.