GERMAN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 July 1923, Page 2

GERMAN ITEMS

LATEST CABLE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.

FRANKFORT SURROUNT)ED

BERLIN, July 2

French troops have occupied Schwerte the centre of 1 110 manufacture of machinery, iron, and steel goods in AA'ostphalia, six miles south-east of Dortmund. A force is advancing four miles further south. Thus Frankfoit is now surrounded by occupied teriitorv, ami cut r.lf from Germany. BRUSSELS, July 2. Tho newspaper “Nation Beige” suggests the occupation of Berlin as a reprisal fur the Duisherg bomb outrage. NO TRAFFIC WITH GERMANY. COLOGNE, duly 2. 'The suspension of practically all traffic k'tweon occupied and unoccupied Germany has caused a tremendous sensation throughout the Rhineland. As the result of this drastic action, tho whole situation is in complete confusion.

Extraordinary precautions are enforced in the Duisburg region. All traffic approaching the bridge there where the recent explosion ceeunod must stop, and the passengers have to alight and walk with their arms above their heads, until well beyond the bridge before being permitted to re-enter the vehicles. The French commander at Dortmund has ordered that no one shall approach the railway. Anyone going within 200 yards of the line will bo shot without warning. , BELGIAN APOLOGY. BRUSSELS, July 2. The Belgian Government has apologised for tile Godlcy incident, and it is now closed. ANXIETY IN BRITAIN. LONDON', July .1. The whole Press reflects the anxiety regarding the French reply, emphasising the gravity of the Ruhr developments, and the increased urgency of finding some solution of the problem. Even if Ambassador St. Aulairc gives a reply 10-dav, however, it is hardly likelv that matters will reach tho stage when a public announcement of the nature desired can bo made immediately.

'Hi*' reply necos arily will require consideration by the Cabinet. Owing to the long suspense, a tendency lias enveloped to speculate oil the nature

cf the Government's action, in the event of the reply indicating that France is immovable.

It is oven asserted that Britain may he led t» conclude a separate agreement with Germany. This lias provoked a cr«ss-Chamiel Press controversy. but the “.Morning Post” points out that such a discussion is meaningless while Franeo-Bi'itish negotiations are in progress.

The "Westminster Gazette’s” Paris correspondent says: There is reason to believe file reply will show France is m>t indisposed to change the nature of her II ulir policy to a civilian occupation, provided the Germans co-ope-rate, hut it cannot he expected that Franco will make the first move.