GERMANY WITHIN

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1920, Page 2

GERMANY WITHIN

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

THE NEUTRAL ZONE. BERLIN, April 7. The Reichswehr troops occupied Essen last evening. PARIS, April 7. An authoritative source states thive is reason to believe the Germans nr 11,, evacuate the neutral zone in a few days upon which, the French troops will be withdrawn, closing the incident which served its purpose conclusively proving to the Germans that the terms of 'be Treaty must the observed. Mayence reports a one day incident in connection with the French advance was that a German armed car fired two shells at a cavalry patrol.

THE BRITISH ATTITUDE. LONDON, April 7. Lord Derby has been instructed to make clear tlie causes of the nteeung of the Allied ambassador at Paris oft the sth, He states the British statesmen’s view of the German situation is pretty much from the French tanapoint, and is undoubtedly a sympathetic attitude but it is unlikely the Britisn will take part in the occupation. GERMAN SORROW. LONDON, April 7 Latest advices from Germany state the French occupied Offenbach, Homburg and Weisbaden. The “Tageblatt” says anger and indignation was aroused over the Fron-h occupying defenceless towns and < mmunities. We can now say to M- Millerand we put our trust in you; thanks for what you have done. Plunder, ag becomes easy. In one week you have done more than Lenin for Bolshevism. The “Vorwaerts” declares they who are defenceless as we have the right to demand freedom from military threats.

THE PROPER COURSE. LONDON, April 7. The “Times” in a leader declares the French have taken the only proper course. It is hoped that the British occupation of Ruhr will not be reqnK ed. Should Germany find herself, um able to control von Wetter, , English opinion will be insistent that the French be given the fullest support. England cannot stand aside. It hoped no -esponsible , British .statesman would employ language pervertible into a suggestion that such passivity was contemplated.

FRENCH GENERAL SPEAKS. PARIS, April 7, The commander of the French in Frankfurt, addressing tbe notables of the city, said that lie hoped that it would not be necessary to use guns ori machine guns. He counted on their influence for the maintenance of peace and the securing of respect for his ~~-

orders. Some Moroccan troops used machine guns on a crowd in Frankfurt, k|ilipg ten and wounding fifty. Swiss reports state that the crpß’d began the trouble bv -mobbing some French officers. LONDON, Apr(l 8. Paris reports state that French troops are marching on Essen which was occupied to-day.

GERMAN FEELING. LONDON, April 8. President Ebert has protested against the occupation of Darmstadt. "The German Government has also issued an appeal tp the inhabitants to remain calm. BERLIN, April 7. The French advance has intensified the German Government’s difficulties. The Trade Unions have submitted a series of new and peremptory demands. Thev also demand the punishment and dismissal* of many of the Reichswehr officers, whom they declare guilty ot ill-treatment of non-coms and men OPT’ iiicr the Kapp revolt. ft is reported that there are numerous summary executions of Spartacist prisoners in Ruhr, which are arousing the bitterest passions on both sides. The Junker class openly hint at further punitive military adventures LONDON, April i. ■ The paper “Le Matin ” says that advices from Frankfort state that some of the German forces, while retiring, fired their machine guns on the French cavalry. It is now believed the incident was due to some individuals becoming excited i

ALLIES TQ CONNER: LONDON, April The Australian Press Association learns that the meeting of Allied Ambassadors re Ruhr has been postpon'd until to-day, owing to the absence of Lord Derby (England) wlio has now returned to Paris. He has authority to declare the British attitude. It is understood that- M. MhWnnd has been kept- closely informed of the British and American official views. No rupture of Allied unity is likely.

At most, Britain and America may protest against ‘the French action; lot it is recognised' that tailul'c to <u p = port France would bo misinterpreted in Germany. It is suggested by the official circles that it may even be necessary for Britain to join in. Thus she may make a slight British advance in order to convince tlie Gormans.

Yet is is more probable that the lii= cident will be closed in a few days by the withdrawal of the Germans from the neutral zone. This would he followed promptly by a French withdrawal.

The whole situation will be reviewed at a sitting of the Supreme Council

BRITISH INTERN WORKERS. PARIS, April 8. Messages to Paris from Coblenz state that two thousand Reds have entered the British zone. They were immediately interned by the British.

RHINE REPUBLIC. (Receivpd this day, It 9.30 a.m.) BERLIN, April 8

There are indications that a Rhine Republic will shortly bo declared. The excitement among the population ’s increasing apd political fiction is imminent.