THE RUHR TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1920, Page 2

THE RUHR TROUBLE.

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) jerman official statement. LONDON, April 13. Addressing the National Assembly n Berlin to-day, Chancellor Mueller, n protesting against the occupation cf frank fort accused France of breaking die Versailles Treaty and discrediting fie League of Nations. He declared that the occupation was undertaken without the sanction of other signatories, and was without justification 'll the Treaty, and in direct contravention of the protocol of December Bth last which declared that post-war breaches of the Treaty would only be punishable in accordance with the prescriptions of International law, or hi the terms of the Treaty, which did not entitle individual signatories to invade Germany'; while the League Covenant contended that hostilities were not allowable against a country that was a member to the ‘League Council. Herr Mueller discredited the idea that the .strength of the Entente is no-w declining. The French occupation, however, had stirred up the nationalistic instinct of Germany giving a fresh impetus to militarism in Germany. Germany, he said, was negotiating with the ‘ Entente with a view to oscuring a prolongation until July 10th of the agreement permitting Germany’s retention of her troops at their presentstrength. OTHER DETAILS. BRUSSELS, April 12. Fifteen hundred Belgian troops, with a number of batteries of artillery, will proceed to Germany on Tuesday. LATEST FRENCH REPORTS. PARIS, April 13. M. Millerand (Premier), informed Lord Derby, after the Allied Ambassador’s conference, that as Germany bad requested the Supreme Council to grant a postponement of the evacuation of the neutral zone, France would -.lot consider the occupation a breach of the Treaty for the time (being, and would order a withdrawal of French troops from Frankfort, and other towns as soon as the excess of German troops is withdrawn from the Ruhr. It is understood that the whole question of policy regarding the neutral zone will be discussed at San Reino. The French Press seems gratified the misunderstanding has been overcome. “Lo Temps” asserts that the miltirists are intriguing throughout Germany and that with the connivance of the Berlin Government. Thief” leading politician, M. Briand addressing his constituents, advocated the necessity of France re-assuming the balance of power in European affairs. The new nations in Europe were now turning to France. SETTLING DOWN. (Received This Day at 8 a.in.) LONDON, April 12. The Australian Press Association understands the Franco-British inch dest is practically closed. M. Millerand in a further note, recognises the urgency of maintaining the solidarity of the Allies and agrees that France should have secured the Allies approval before advancing. It is probable- M. Millerand will make a statement in the Chamber to-night which will completely remove misunderstanding. Hon Bonar Law is expected to speak similarly in the Commons tomorrow.

INCIDENT ENDS HAPPILY. (Received this day at. 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, April 12

It is understood the Anglo-French situation is> finally closed. No question of honour was sacrificed by either isde. Diplomats consider the incident though unfortunate, will actually have the effect of strengthening the Alliance, The Exchange of notes has ended. France repeated the undertaking to evacuate German towns when the Germans redued their troops to the required minimum of 17 thousand. France also agrees unreservedly hence forth to act unitedly with the Allies, avoiding independent action. Nothing further can occur and the incident will be happily ended by a personal conversation of Lloyd George and Millerand at San Remo.