GERMANY WITHIN

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1920, Page 2

GERMANY WITHIN

(By Electric Telegraph—Copynglit

FURTHER PARTI CL LARS. LONDON, March 13.

Although according to one report, the persons responsible for the Berlin coup d’etat deny the revolution aims at the re-establishment of the Monarchy, there is no reason to doubt that it is the ultimate goal.

French newspapers state the Allied leaders have been aware for some time that such a coup was the drawing eonsumnation of Germans, pan-Germans, and Monarchists, who only awaited the signature to peace before putting their plans into action. The only public intimation that serious events were breaking out was Herr Noske’s announcements to the effect that a reactionary plot was discovered to undermine the loyalty of the troops and overthrow the Government. Noske as Commander-in-

Chief at Berlin, ordered the arrest of the.ringleaders, and held troops in read iness, should a rising occur. KAPP INTERVIEWED. BERLIN, March 14. Doctor Kapp, said the change of Government n Germany, does not mean the restoration of the Monarchy. He was glad at the overthrow of Herr Ebert, which was inevitable and had been accomplished bloodlessly. Kapp said his regime would stand for strong Republicanism, but that the Government would ruthlessly suppress strikes and sabotage. BERLIN UNDER ARMS, deceived this day at 8 a.m.) BERLIN, March 14.

Loyal military are patrolling in the Government quarter with guns, machine guns and armoured cars. Barbed wire barricades have been erected. The population is quiet. Herr Bauer has issued a proclamation in Dresden, urging the nation to support Constitutional Government, a

A general strike has been proclaimed in Nuremberg, Magdeburg, Breslau and in Rhine, Westphalian mining district. Black, red and white flags were hoisted in Bremen and Munich.

A CORRESPONDENT’S REPORT. ' (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) 1 LONDON, March 14.

Renwick, the ‘‘Daily Chronicle” representative in Berlin ,cabling at nine on Saturay night, says wtihout striking a blow in their own defence, the Socialist, Democratic and Catholic regime has fallen, and Berlin is completely in the hands of Kapp’s Government. The city wears its normal aspect, save barbed wire in the main streets and soldiers, artillery and machine guns at commanding ] joints in the centre of the city. It has been an amazing day, and an extraordinary revolution. The restaurants are full and gay as ever, and the theatres are filled, though the dancing balls are closed. The revolution was carefully prepared at Doberitz suburb, twelve miles west of Wilhelmstrasse, where a marine division was under Captain Ehrhardt. Ebert’s first communique was so reassuring that Berlin wept to bed op Friday night lielieving the Government bad the situation well in band. Nosk.e ! s troops were sent marching in the chief streets during the night and armoured cars, field kitchens and artillery were much in evidence. I now hear that the Doberitz plans were betrayed, but the leaders of the revolution derided j:o precipitate the crisis. When the ultimatum was received, it was evident the Government had not a strong gpough force to put up a fight, so they ordered their troops to withdraw and make no resistance, and the Doberitz force march ed info the Square behind Brandenburg Gate. Thus far the revolutionaries plans have gone without a hitch. Big crowds are patrolling the streets and were allowed to satisfy their curiosity to the full.

A CORRESPONDENT’S REPORT. LONDON, March 14

A well informed correspondent of the ‘•Daily Telegraph” declares Germany’s persistent delayin' disarming her forces and the disturbance in the middle cast are all part of a, German scheme to draw the Allies military resources, causing a reduction of armies on the Rhine and paving the way to a restoration of the German monarchy. The ‘Evening Standard’ says the Allies military advisers have .been aware of the trend of' events in Germany, and they recently augmented their forces on thy Rhine. There is nothing from Berjin to indicate disorder, but a censorship has been imposed on the foreign cable ser-

vices. The Social Democrats newspapers have Ijeen suppressed.

HUNGER- SUBTERFUGE

LONDON, March !4. The “Observer” says Ludendorff and the chief reactionaries did not participate in revolution, which was carried out by inferior personages. Either the revolt was premature, or the chief reactionaries have arranged -t as an experiment to see how the Allies and the German people would act, it is advise,able that the Allies should not act for a few days, hut should allow the German nation to crush the revolt by a general strike. Kaiserism can only re-establish itself in Germany at the cost ot civil war, and industrial chaos. If the Germany people support the monarchists, the 'Allies must employ the sternest military naval, ami ecouomje measures to suppress the revolt.

} TROOPS OLASII. BEHLTN, Ma reh 14. Sanguinary encounters between troops and workers occurred in Frankfort. Many persons wore injured nn ( j one killed. The democratic party, majority and independent Socialists have coivhined against Tvapp. Noske has as sumed command of the troops in Saxony. SUPPORT OF KAPP. ,'lleceived This Day at S a. 111.1 (HONDO, March "15. Berlin conservatives and National Liberals announce they are willing to support lvapp, if lie appoints experts as 'and -.issues election writs within sixty days. Ebert refuses to negotiate with Txapp.

ANOTHER OPINION. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, March 14

The “Parisien” says it is clear none of the Allies can recognise the regime, which, is the outcome of tumult, and they probably will defer action until after the forthcoming German elections DESERTED BERLIN. (Received This Dav at- 8 a.m.) LONDON, March 13. A telegram from Copenhagen says the streets of Berlin were de’erted on Sunday, except for military patrols. All electric power stations, tramways and underground railways are stopped, and the water supply is cut off. Kapp has ordered the arrest of Ebert and Bauer, and will accuse them 'of high treason. No newspapers are being published until midday on Monday. The news is heavily censored by Trebitseli whom Kapp has installed as censor of foreign telegrams. I KAPP’S EFFORTS, J LONDON, March 14. Messages from Berlin to-day stn+e Herr Kapp will act in conjunction with tiie labour party, for the maintenance of order. The Government is endeavouring to persuade labour to take office, suggesting the name of a wellknown leader, Koerstein. The success of negotiations is doubtful, ow'ng to Luttwitz’s attitude. The leader of the independent socialists has con. ditionally agreed to take office in the new Government.

Fighting js reported at Frankfort, Dusseldorff, Rhine coalfields an) elsewhere, between adherents of the old and new regimes. Strikes have broken out in many places. The movement is expected to extend, except in essential industries. The military in Germany have mostly elected to support the Government. . The new Cabinet’s programme profeseses to consolidate the old Germany and return to settled conditions, also to avoid extreme nation, alism. Kapp offers to appoint a coalition Government, including Majority Socialists, but insists that non partisan experts must be tile chiefs of certain Ministries. FRENCH OPINION. (Received Tins Day at 8 a.m.) 'PARIS, March 14. Marcel Hutin learns that the French Foreign Minister was fully informed re. garding events in Germany and has gone to London to confer with Hon. Lloyd George, The “Matin” states the Allies may safely support the Government at Dres = den, which there is little doubt represents the great majority qf the. Gprniau people. .Possibly LiidendorfF and perhaps the Hohenzollerns may attempt to exploit the situation, but those knowing Germany well and arriving from Berlin yesterday deslare ‘hat such an event is unlikely as the country dreads nothing so milch as embarking on a new adventure.

PROGRESS OF REVOLUTION. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, March 14

Amsterdam advices state that up to this (Sunday) morning the Rhine and Westphalian area was quiet, bpt the whole region disapproves qf the Berjin coup de ctat. Fresh anti-Monarchist demonstrations a re reported in Southern Germany. The Bavarian, and Wurtenilmrg Governments in a manifesto state they remain on duty, and wjjl not accept orders from Kapp’s Government. ’['here was a bloody collision in Berlin between the new Government’s jrpops and workmen. Several lypre wopnded and one killed.

The new Cabinet meets on Tuesday. Von Hnjiiel is now Foreign Minister, and Jajo, Minister of Interior. Knpp has ordered the arrest of Erzbergor. The fact that the German Democratic Party has joined the majority and Independent Socialists with a view defending the Republic, has considerably weakened Kapp’s position. Saxon troops, on whom Noske assumed the chief command are regarded as absolutely trustworthy.

NEWS IN ENGLAND. LONDON, March 15. The latest official telegrams indicate the military movement is not spreading in Germany, to the same degree as the genera] strike, but only brief cables have been rceived from Lord Kilmarnock, the British representative jn Berlin, fton Lloyd George did not judge it necessary to stay in town on Sunday, though ’He kept ip touch with Downing Street- A number of messages to English newspapers ipeluding the “Daily Telegraph” and “Daily Express” were capceljed op presentation at the telegraph office in Berlin. Those received must be read in the light of the fact that they have been censored. But for traitors among the revolution ario» whp crpnjpunjcated the faefs (o Herr Noske on Friday .afternoon, Ebert’s Government would have known nothing until the revolution was accomplished. The newspapers in Berlin at mid-day on Saturday, when the success of the new regime was assured, issued vast editions, hut. there was no speech making to the crowds, which were a feature of the revolution of November 1918. Kapp then forbade the publication °f tK e Majority Socialist or Democratic newspapers, and prohibited any newspapers being published before Mopday evening. This accounts for the pre r sept scarcity of news as to the events of Sunrja.y.

BELGIAN ACTION. BRUSSELS, March 14. The Premier states in view of events in Berlin, tho Government have taken measures for. completely safeguarding the frontiers. GERMAN WAR MINISTER. (Received this day at 9.20 a.m.) BERLIN, March 15. Luttwitz, the new Minister for War, said the Germans plan is to fight Bolshevism to the death. In order, to do this, more than one hundred thousand troops will he required, and with Allied permission, the offensive will begin in May. Luttwitz further stated he has seven thousand troops at his disposal in Berlin and will use machine gun* against strikers if necessary. LONDON, March 13. English newsppaers generally are or oninion that it is too early to judge the significance of Berlin events, to decide the necessity of intervention.

THE NEW’ REGIME. (Received this day at 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, March 15. General Marca, commanding at Dresden, declared for the new regime, so Ebert, Noske and Bauer went on to Stuttgart, where they are now organising a general strike. It is rumoured ' that the revolutionaries desire the Kaiser's second son, Prince Bitel to succeed to the throne. -KAISER’S GUARD. (Received this day at 9.20 a.m.) BERLIN, March 15. Amsterdam 'telegrams state as a rcsuit of the counter revolution the exKaiser’s guard at Amergogen has been considerably reinforced -'by mounted police, under a cavalry captain. It is reported the Grown Prince at Ameron. gen, is keenly interested now that his intimate friend Von Zebeltitl, who went in the first days in exile, with the Prince, has arrived from Berlin.

BRITISH COMMENT. (Received this day, at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 13. The “Daily Chronicle’’ demands that the Kaiser shall immediately be removed farther from the frontier. Major-General Maurice says the chief reason for the successful coup d’etat is the majority of the Germans are in a estate of dull despair, and do not care what happens. There is little doubt that Ludendorff is pulling the strings. Kapp was put in to keep the President ial chair warm for Hindenburg. FOCII TAKES ACTION. 'Received this dav at 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, March 13. The commanders of Rhine armies had a conference with Marshal Foch, immediately, and the troops have already moved forward from the rear canton, ments. BERLIN, March 15. Collisions occurred between the police and workmen at Frankfort. Fifteen were killed and a hundred wounded. The police were forced to leave, the town, a s the crowd were in possession of the depot where arms were stored. All troops in southern Germany have joined the new regime. AMERICAN TROOPS. (Received this day at 10 20 i m.' WASHINGTON, March 15. Although American troops are under Marshal Foch’s control, no movement will be made into Germany until President Wilson orders it. FIGHTING REPORTED. PARIS, March 15. Fighting is reported at Hamburg, Weimar, Eisenbach, and Frankfort, j Many were killed and scores were ; wounded. I

Ships at Kiel fired on the c'ty, Soldiers droye out women and sailors at the point of the bayonet,

GERMAN ELECTIONS. BERLIN, March 15. Von Kapp announced in the Reich, stag that the elections will be held on 11th. April. / THE. DANGER IN GERMANY. THE THiUNDERJER'S WARNING. (Received this day at 12.25 p.m) "'*■ LONDON, March 15. •“••The “Tiipes” in a leader, states that although. Noske was too late to defeat the Berlin plpt, he forced the revolutionary party to act before their plans were complete, confining their success to Berlin and East Prussia, In the present stage, therefore the struggle is be- — tween Prussia and the rest of Germany. Noske ha s apparently under es. timated the danger although sufficiently warned by the sinister growth of the military organisation masquerading under the names of public safety police, civic guards and emergency technical volunteers, who with the regular Army, gave the military a strength of

more than a million. Had the Supreme A Council, acted promptly when the “'l’imes” pointed out, on 2nd January, the serious growing menace these forces constituted, it would have been better for Germany and ourselves. Significant coincidences are Admiral Horthy's extensive Hungarian mobilistion, and the defiant attitude of tie Constantinople Government, and the'Moslem unrest, which' was never more dangerous or widespread. All these combine to make the whole situation one demanding extraordinary vigilance. We must jje prepared to act quickly, should a fuller knowledge reveal danger not onlv to German liberties, but to our r. ' own.

SO HOSTILITY TO FOREIGNERS. (Received This Day q-t 12.25 p.m.) BERLIN, Mqrch 14. So far there is no hostility to fqrpinners. Officers of the Entente Mission to-dav in a military motor car have been allowed to pass the barricades at the entrance into Wilhelmstrasse. Outside the British Embassy, however, it is barred by bqrbpd wre aqd protected by field and machine guns. The prdipary Berlin citizen, has up to now treated the revolution with little apparent concern, but an undercurrent of uneasiness is prevailing. The opinion is expressed that Agrarians will support the revolution apd dispatch large quantities of fpjjd to Bprlip, with a view tp piaippainipg the prestige pf flic Government. . The newspapers “Freiheit and • v orwports” have been suppressed and their pfifiees occupied by troops.

‘THE KAISER. RONDON, March 14. I The “Sunday Times” Rotterdam cor- ( respondent states the Dutch Government has considered allotting the exKaiser residence on one of the Zeeland Islands, but has abandoned the idea, fearing escape by boat. They concluded that Doom More was easily guarded, but the question-of a safe locality was - no t settled. Government is now considering his deportation to East Indies, in view of the serious situation in Germnffy. Meanwhile the ex-Kaiser is well informed of events. He receives numer ous callers, travelling in a constant procession of motor-cars. The ex-Crown prince is described as greatly agitated. COME TO TERMS. PARIS, March 15. Tlie “News Agency” reports the new Government in Germany has reached an agreement with the Ebert regime.