THE RUHR TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1920, Page 1

THE RUHR TROUBLE.

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

STATEMENT BY M. MILLERAND PARIS, April 13.

In the Chamber of Deputies M. Millerand made statements on the FraneoBritish situation. He quoted Artie.es 42 arid 44 of the Peace Treaty and said the Allies attached great importance thereto for the security of France. Ho recalled the fact that Germany, through her military circles, wvos responsible for the coup d’etat, yet Germany' requested a derogation of the Peace Treaty, despite the fact that she had not executed any of the essention provisions of the Treaty. Therefore he telegraphed to London on the 19tli. March, expressing the opinion that the Allies would commit a grave and perhaps an irreparable mistake, if they- did not forearm themselves agai'i-'t this very evident danger, by firmly oppoinsg the entry of the Germans into Ruhr, as the Government’s view was that the possession of certain guarantees that the German Treaty would be vialated was necessary. Millerand eloquently paid a tribute to Belgium’s action in increasing the affection and admiration of France for the Belgian people. He dismissed the question of an Anglo-French misunderstanding in a few phrases declaring that after a loyal exchange of views the Cabinets in London and Paris had both agreed that, if there was a divergence of opinion respecting the best means of assuring the execution of the Treaty, both must recoguise more than ever the necessity of maintaining their intimate cordial agreement for £g, settlement of the grave questions still confronting them in Germany and throughout the world.

AN INTERVIEW. PARIS, April 13. M. Millerand, interviewed after his speech in the Chamber of Deputies, again emphasised the fact that the recent minor divergence of views in no wise affected the deep-rooted AngloFrench friendship. He pointed out that the French living on the left bank of the Rhino knew Germany intimately. He stressed the importance of a real Entente, especially at the present time with a view of reassuring the full execution of the Treaty of Versailles and solving a number of overseas problems. France was ready to help Germany, but the latter must show a real willingness to carry out the Treaty. Hitherto she had done little, respecting disarmament, the relivery of war criminals, coal, surrender of guns etc. Moreover the mili-t-ai'ist spirit still exists in Germany ..said Millerand,. and concluded: “The question of the occupation of German towns is finally settled between the British and French and no bad feeling remains. Lord Derby is resuming his scat at the Ambassadorial Conference, and the unity is as complete as ever it was.”

A FRENCH SEIZURE. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) BERLIN, April 13. Semi-official—French .troops have occupied Hanau district, removed tho police, and seized fifty horses and all arms and equipment of the civic guard and police.