GERMANY WITHIN

Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1920, Page 2

GERMANY WITHIN

'By Electric Telegraph—Copy ul|t.' THE RUHR UPSET.. LONDON, April The “Times” Berlin correspondent re? ports heavy fighting in Ruhr. Severe losses were sustained by both sides. General) Watter (the Government leader) lias occupied Mulheim, WASHINGTON, April 5. France is reported to liaye the intention to occupy German towns as result of the Ruhr disturbances. Th - is not- considered favourably here. It is the opinion generally that France will not accomplish- any benefit while she will probably embarrass the German Government -in its attempts to put down the Bolshevik movement and restore order.

PARIS, April 5. A German Note expresses a confid ent hope that order will be rest a -c-J in seven days, and adds the Government troops made a. favourable impression and dispersed several bands, There were heavy casualties op both sides where conflicts occurred. Although French troops are ready to march further into Germany Fran e is withholding -orders until she has informed the Allies of hep reason for the step.

FRANCE EXPLAINS ACTION. LONDON, April 0. ■As to the Ruhr situation, the French Government points out that the German workers threaten to destroy tlie Ruhr mines before they will allow them to fall into the German Government’s hands. Such action would be a serious injury to French industry. France intends to withdraw hey troops as soon as the neutral zone is clear of German troops. The French Government adds j;hat if the Pence Treaty clauses for the disarming of Germany had been properly enforced, the German Government- would not possess its existing big military forces, nor would the Rods have been able to obtain military material. Despite numerous reports that (he French Government has definitely icsolvod to ac-t independently, if the Allies refuse to co-operate, it is )e ported that French notion is being postponed for the present, ponding further consideration of the position Iv the Supropie jfYmnejl,

I BTG FIGHT ;AT ESSEN. LONDON, April G. The “Daily News” correspondent, at _A Essen reports there lias lieen severe fighting there since Sunday afternoon, ft was in the outskirts of Essen. The Government troops penetrated the suburbs, but the Reds drove them out, after after desperate street fighting. There has been some looting within the town, but the Rods are smnmar : '■ ilv shootipg the offender^.

AMERICAN PROTEST. WASHINGTON. April 6, Tt is understood United States protested against the French occupation of German towns.