GERMAN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 May 1923, Page 2

GERMAN ITEMS

LATEST CABLE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. FRANCO-BELGIAN REPLY. PARIS, May 6. At Lord Curzon’s request, the ” Franco-Belgian reply to Germany lias been delayed 27 hours. The newspapers however, state that the text will not be modified. THE REPLY TO GERMANY. BRITISH AND FRENCH COMMENT LONDON, May o. Dealing further with the Franco-Bel-gian reply the “Observer” says it is being pointed out in the friendliest way to tho French Government, that the general problem of reparations and inter-Allied debts is one which does not concern France alone, and one which in any case cannot be settled by French action in the Ruhr, llcth the British and American Governments have so iar refrained from broaching tho subject of French debts to themselves, out of friendship to I ranee. It is all the more important therefore that France should not now miss the opportunity of consulting the Allies in a matter that concerns them equally with herself.

“Le Temps” commenting on Lord Curzon’s suggestion that the Ruhr problem should be solved by the concerted action of the Allies, says concerted action should imply nothing less than active support of France. It was tho original intention that the French reply should be handed to the Germans at the same time as the Allies, but Lord Curzon’s emphasis on concerted action is believed to be responsible for the change of procedure, the Allies receiving the Note first. It is said this will give time for British comment, before the reply is delivered to the Germans. On the other hand Lord Curzon received the French Ambassador to-day, and the latter, it is said explained that M. Poincare would have preferred a collective reply, hut that was impossible owing to the clamant demand of the French public and parliamentary opinion for the immediate rejection of the German note. Lord Curzon is stated to have been assured that if Germany at any time makes an offer which can possibly be regarded as a basis for discussion M. Poincare will lie prepared to consider it juiutly with all the Allies. FRANCO-BELGIAN NOTE. LONDON, May 6. The Franco-Belgian Note is published It declares that Germany’s proposals are in direct opposition to the Versailles Treaty, and cannot be considered while violent resistance continues in the Ruhr, which will only he evacuated as reparations are paid off. KRUPP COURTMARTIAL. LONDON. May 4. Questions put by the president of tlie court wore mainly regarding the responsiblity for sounding the syren [which called out fifty thousand workers. No new facts came to light in spite of long questioning, lyrupp resisting all efforts to pin him down to a statement of individual responsibility for wlnt happened. After three other directors (Bruhn, Hart wig. and Osterlev) had denied responsibility for sounding the . syren, Muller, the foreman, took the responsibility upon himself. Ho said that he risked his own life to protect the Frenchthat in attempting to bring about the withdrawal of the French sol- , diers, he was misunderstood by the French officer, who thought he was inciting an attack upon them. He claimed he was doing ail he could, to calm the crowd. The military interpreter, Jaeger, said that he heard Muller tell the workmen to surround the French soldiers so none should escape. Lieut. Chabroux declared that he (was obliged to use his revolver and he fired five shots. The hearing was adjourned.