FRANCE'S LONE HAND

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 168, 12 April 1920, Page 5

FRANCE'S LONE HAND

$ SHARP TONE OF BRITISH NOTE MUST ACT IN CONCERT WITH ALLIES OR WORK OF CONFERENCE WILL BE FUTILE (By Telcgra,ph--Pres3 Association-Copyright (Itec. April 11, 5.5 p.m.) London, April 10. "The Times" understands that at Thursday's Cabinet meeting some Ministers urged that tho wording of the British Note to France, especially the conclusion, should be modified, so as to render it less offensive. Mr. Lloyd George, however, insisted on the harsher wording and carried his point. The Note consist of four typewritten foolscap.sheets, and states that 11, Millerand and liis colleagues had given tho impression that France would abstain from single-hand-ed action. The Note expects franco not to again act on her own initiative, otherwise the work of the Peace ence would be futile,' and instructs her Ambassador to abstain from attending the Conference of Ambassadors until assured that Prance will act in future in concert with the Allies—"Tho Times."

VIEWS OF BRITISH CABINET

VALUE OF ANGLO-FRENCH ALLIANCE ; ! HEADY TO INSIST ON EXECUTION OF TKEAT\ r . (Reo. April 11, 5.5 p.m.) London, April ti. An authoritative statement on the Anglo-French situation points out that auy communication of British official vion's as regards the dispatch of French troops to the neutral zono is mado primarily to prevent any possible damage to the Anglo-French alliance, on which tho hope ot tho world centred, certainly not with the purpose of exciting public opinion in this or any other country. Tho fundamental idea of British Ministers is that any alliance would rapidly dissolve if an individual member of the alliance acted on its own initiative in an important matter without the assent of the other members. It does not serve tho o,auso of any alliance to gloss over or ignore the seriousness of any ally acting militarily on its own initiative against the opinion of its ally. Tho British aro equally concerned in securing the execution of the Peace Treaty with any other signatories, but they are of opinion that it would only weaken the authority of tho Allies if violent action were taken without unimpeachable reason. It is held that the Treaty in this instance did not contemplate a situation liko that which has now arisen. The British view is that in the neutral zone in the event of serious social disorder either the Allies must take responsibility for restoring order or allow the German Government to assume the responsibility subject to suitable guarantees. Tho Treaty never contemplated making a fifty-mile zone of perpetual disorder wherein neither the Allien nor Germany wcro able to exercise authority. The situation to-day, according to the British viowj is 'one. for police action against disorder, and it is felt that it is far better that this should bo. pointed out now and a clear understanding reached. The British are equally ready with tho French to insist on the execution of. the Treaty, if there is. any hesitation on the part of the Germans in fulfilling tlnir guarantee to evacuate the neutral zone at the appointed time, and Britain is quite willing to agreo to any necessary action if this agreed period is passed. Tho French Government was fully informed of this view more than once before tho troops were sent. Faith in tho Entente and friendliness for_ the French people have in no way diminished, and the announcement that Franco acted on her own initiative against the advice of her allies is merely a statement of fact. It is necessary to make it clear that it is impossible for the Alli'.s as a whole to accept the position that can be committed by the independent r.ction of any ono ally, and it is necessary to strengthen tho alliance bv/ ensuring future solidarity. It is achhd that the views expressed are not those of any individual British Minister, but of the whole Cabinet.—lmperial News Service. THE FRENCH REPLY UNQUESTIONABLE LOYALTY AFFIRMED NOT SATISFTEf) WTTH GERMAN PROMISE. (Rec. April 11. 11.35 p.m.) London, April 10. The French reply to tho British Note affirms the unquestionable loyalty of Franco's attitude. The Government constantly informed tho Allies of its policy. Tho reply says the policy of tho French Government was always opposed to the entry of supplementary German troops into Ruhr, which was only permissible on condition of the military occupation of Frankfort, and Darmstadt. The Government notified tho Allies on April' 3 that -Marshal Foch was studying unavoidable military measures. The reply points out that the so'o present question is the violation of one of the most solemn clauses in the Treaty. The German Government itself recognised the necessity of obtaining beforehand a forward authorisation for the breach of Article 43 and the right of the French Government to demand n territorial guarantee in exchange for the breach. The reply asks how tho French Government could be satisfied with j.he German promise to withdraw the Rcichswehr immediately order was restored seeing that the Allies had not received tho sat. isfaction stipulated in the Treaty for reparation of war damages, tho surrender of war criminals, delivery of coal, r.nd tho disarmament of the army. It aslc9 whether tho British Government has calculated the whole dancer of these successive systematic violations, niu! asks when Britain thinks it ought to stop in sranting concessions. It declares that France was compelled to say enough, but she asks nothing better than that sho can say so with all her alllies. The French Government is not less convinced than the British of the essential necessity of maintaining the Allied unity for the enforcement of the German Treaty, and considers the intimate concert of Franco and Britain also indispensable for equitably settling' the vast problems now confroniins tho world in Ruwia, tho Balkans, Asia Minor, and throughout (he whole of Islam. The rep Civ concludes by assuring that the French Government for all these considerations is fntirely disposed to make sure, before acting, of (ho general assent of a|! inter-allied questions involved in the execution of tho Treaty.—lmperial News Service.

FRANCE'S DISTRUST OF GERMANY OPPORTUNITY TO EXACT GUARANTEES. London, April B. The Paris newspapers point out that Germany has latterly been expressing readiness to withdraw surplus troops,and has been denouncing the French demand for a complete withdrawal. Tho papes consider that Germany is attempting to trick the Allies, well knowing that Germany has no right to keep any troops in the neutral zono after Saturday. But France does not intend to hold' Germany to the strict letter of the protocol. She is willing to arrange a fresh protocol, under which Germany would retain sufficient troops for police purposes. The newspapers frankly express the view that now is France's chance to exact guarantees from Germany for a bona fide discharge of her Treaty obligations'. They say Iho occupatimi of Frankfort and other towns is not the end but the beginninu of a resolute French policy. The "Petit Parisien" sa.ys _ that Finuce's measures, while constituting a

guarantee against the assembling of Germn'i troops in the Ruhr area, also oiler p a moans, of obliging Germnny to conlorm e strictly to her engagements. , o "I,o" Journal" says: "Yesterdays em- i sode i--. only tho starting point. It would ii be unpardonable simplicity not lo profit 1 by the crisis, in order to clarify the situation. Now or never is the time to learn if anything may lie expected from Hie' Germans. The present test gives a means of getting what is owing to us, and of showing our Allies that we must have something more than tho Versailles g scrap of paper." „ , .. e Ncwspa oers declare that though tho Allies may not co-operate in military measures, it is unlikely that they will disapprove, because they are interested equally with Franco in the enforcement of tho Treaty. "La Temps" calls attention to rim strategic importance of the occupied towns, and quotes Marshal Foch's standard book on the conduct, of war, in which ho savs: "Germany's power can be cut in halves. The most reasonable plan of attacking Germany would be to proceed to Berlin by way of Mayence, because that is the point wher« f the interests of North and South GeT- * many meet."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BRITISH PREMIeImING TO SAN REMO i FULL UNDERSTANDING ASSURED. 1 (Rec. April 12, 0.10 a.m.) • London, April 10. < Mr. Lloyd George will leave London on ] Saturday "for San Remo to attend the ; Peace Conference. 1 The "Echo de Paris" calls attention \ to the fact that Mr. Lloyd George is go- ; ing by sea rather than pass through j France. ~,. , .• ' The "Daily Chronicle's" diplomatic cor- - respondent says the fact that Mr. Lloyd , George is taking the sea trip is a welcome i sign that a full understanding is now as- i sured, if not already established, in every detail. The correspondent adds that every responsible British statesman hones that a passing difference between the two proud democracies will not bo allowed to obscure their fundamental cordial unity. -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ADDITIONAL FRENCH TROOPS CROSS RHINE ; STATEMENT BY BERLIN PAPER. (Rec. April 11, 5.5 p.m.) Amsterdam, April fl. T.io "Berliner Tageblatt" states that there have been further arrivals of French troops in the occupied zone, and additional troops have crossed the Rhino at various points into the neutral zone. The troops wero accompanied by tanks also, and left Strassburg in an easterly direction.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CONSTERNATJoTIN FRANCE CAUSED BY BRITAIN'S OPPOSITION TO OCCUPATION. (Rec. April 11. 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April 9. Britain's opposition to the French occupation of the right bank of the Rhine has caused consternation. The newspapers compare the British attitude with that of faithful Belgium. The "Matin" suggests that Britain conferred with Italy and America, which is regrettable. The "Matin" seeks to modify the tension by the suggestion that Britain does not seek to represent Germany as innocent, but merely differs over the methods adopted. M. Pertinaux, in the "Echo de Paris, denounces Mr. Lloyd George as a politician entirely lacking in judgment, but the French rely on the good sense of friends across the Channel to bring Mr. Lloyd George to heel and force upon him the interpretation of the AngloFrench alliance from which he should nevir have departed.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable 45311. OPINIONS OF FRENCH PRESS. (Eec. April 12, 0.10 a.m.) Paris, April 10. Two meetings of the French Cabinet were held to-day to consider the British protest against France's action. Britain's Note came like n bombshell nnd caused stupefaction. The French newspapers make, bitter comment, singling out Mr. Lloyd George for special blame, asserting that he imposed his views on the British Cnbinot. London, April 10. The "Daily Express" understands that Britain's Note to France contains a very firm protest. Tho Paris newspaper "Le Temps," dispassionately reviewing tho situation, points out 'that Britain was kept fully infowiicd of Franco's determination to protect herself from the Gorman menace. A prominent French writer declares that Mr. Lloyd George has struck the Entente a. blow from which it will havo difficulty in recovering. He hopes that British public opinion will rectify tho British Government's mistake. The "Journal des Debutes" asks: "Dots Mr. Llovd George realise that he is losing the prestige and authority he won by his energy during the war? Mr. Lloyd George has now repudiated his title to posterity s gratitude."-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BELGIUM'S SYMPATHY WITH FRANCE DIVISION PLACED AT DISPOSAL OF ■COMMANDER IN RUHR. Paris, April 9. ] A small body of Belgian troops has i been ordered to enter the Ruhr area, indicating that Belgium ranges herself alongside the Fronch.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn, (Rec. April 11, 5.5 p.m.) Brussels, April 9. The King presided at a Council of 1 Ministers. It was decided, out. of «ym--1 pathy with France, to place a division at trie disposal of the French commander ! in Ruhr.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable. Assn. THE IMTEDJTATES DECISION WIL T i NOT PARTICIPATE IN CONVERSATIONS. i (Rec. April 11, 11.5 p.m.!) Washington, April 9. ' The United Stales Government has decidxl definitely not to participate in the conversations between the Allies and Fiance with reference to the occupation ■ of German cities. Tho Ambassador, Mr. ■ Wallace, will content himself with • watching the proceedings—Aus.-N.Z. ; Cablo Assn. ; ACTION BY REICHSWEHR ENDED ' Amsterdam, April 8. _ ' A Dusseldorf message states that inili- ' ta.-y action by 'the Reichswehr is virtu- " ally ended, but the delivery of arms, acJ cording to the Bielefeld agreement, will ! occupy a few days—Aus.-N.Z. Cable i Assn. I FURTHER ADVANCE REPORTED ! EXTENSION OF TIME FOR USE OF t TROOPS ASKED FOR. Paris, April 8. f "Lo Temps" states that German .troops a occupied Essen after -the Beds had fled. s Mai.v of the Reds surrendered to tlio a British. The Reicliswehr continues to b advance into the centre of the Rhenish t- and Westphalian basin. This is attrir butcl to the pressure of the military - party in Berlin upon the German Govf eminent. The latter are asking tho • 'Alliss to allow them to use troops in the 0 neutral zouo until July 10. pointing out that Germany is already, allowed to use trooys to maintain, order until April W — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE SHOOTINUTFRANKFORT DIVERGENT REPORTS. Zurich, April 8. t Owin b - to the threatening attitude of r. tho crowd in Frankfort, the Moroccans °. used machine-guns. It is reported that 1 the crowd mobbed tho officers and pelt*' l o them with stones, but another report re- . ccivd from Berli'i denies that the ntti- :. tnde of the crowd was hostile, and says p thw were merely watching the Moroccan r guard—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. !f "DEMONSTRATION ORGANISED BY „ GERMAN MILITARISTS." y Paris, April P. e Strong patrols of French cavalry i:re- :- ceded by an armoured car patrolled the s Frankfort streets throughout the night. •■ There wero no further incidents, r Tho French military authorities assert I- tint the anti-French demonstration was is oiganist'il by the German militarists, j. Paris. April 8. \n official report on tho Frankfort mit cident states that two persons were a killed and several wounded.

The "Matin" alleges Hint a pan-German procession, mostly «T students, eurroundel a French picket and separated the officer from his men. Tho latter, fearing thai: tho officer would bo endangered, fired several shots.—Aus.-N.Z. C'ablo Assn. PATROLS EXCHANGE SHOTS. (Rec. April 10, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, April 8. A German patrol near Niederwollsta.lt,-ei'cnn-.fering a French patrol, exchanged sh-.ls and a German officer was wounded.—United Service. AIMS OF RED ARMY NOSKE THE TOOL OF THE MILITARISTS SECRET ARMY OF 800,000. (Rec. April 10, 5.5 p.m.') Paris, April 8. The. "Tribune's" correspondent at Eseen had an interview with Otto Bcdenseipn'i, the Red commander, who say: "It is fcolish tc call us Bolsheviks and terrorists and claim that wo broke the Treaty. Our men were disbanding when the Reicliswehr turned their artillery on us. We protested to General von Wiitter, who said ho did not know of the attack. We arc the same armed working men who defeated Kapp and will cor.tinue to fight the monarchists. We have proof that the militarists under Nosko have a secret army of 800,000. We knoiv that the militarists hare planned to control the Government and retain Nosko to build up the monarchy, which is prepared to overrun France and instigate a French revolution within two years, assuring themselves that England and America will not participate. We lost because we childishly trusted the Government's pledges, but will continue tha war on militarism till the endUnited Service. REDS IN jiiTISH ZONE ADD TO FOOD DIFFICULTY. London, April 8. The number of Reds entering the British zone, where they are interned, is steadily increasing. Twenty thousand of these troops, and refugees havo now arrived, and are adding to the food difficulties, particularly in view of the disorganised transport.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BRITISH PRESS CORRESPONDENTS MALTREATED BALTIC TROOPS COMMENCE REIGN OF TERROR. London, April 9. The Dusseldorf correspondent of the Chicago "Tribune" states that Lieutenant Linzmeyer, an officer of the Baltic Iron Division, on arriving at Essen secured telegrams dispatched to England by Mrs. Harding, representative of the "Daily News," and Mr. Voight, representative of the "Manchester Guardian." Ho arrested both correspondents. Voight kept his hands in his pockets when arrested, mid Linzmeyer ordered two soldiii's to beat Voight, to teach him how to behave in the presence of Prussian officers. Both correspondents wero subsequently released. Voight says that LiiVmeyer resented the attitude of the English and American correspondents regarding the Ruhr events. Mrs. Harding states that she drew attention to the fact that Linzmeyer's troops were identical with those involve 1 in Kapp's coup, and this angered Linvmeyer. Tho correspondent adds that the Baltic troops have rjegun a reign of terror, and nro killing women workers—Aus.-N.Z. CaMe Assn.