GERMAN STEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 August 1923, Page 2

GERMAN STEMS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. SOCIALIST POLICY. BERLIN, Aug. 12. The Socialists, while strong enough to cause the fall of the Cuiio Ministry, are not strong enough to form their own Government. They seek rather a coalition consisting of the present working coalition id the German People’s Party, the Centre Party and the Democrats, with a strong leaven of Socialists holding at least three of the more important portfolios under the leadership of Dr Stresemann. Tfie Socialists were not thirsting for leadership under the present appalling conditions, but their hands were forced by the strong and persistent demands of responsible t.alsmr. The workers’ leaders, during theweek, have besieged the Reichstag. trade union headquarters and the offices of directorates of various undertakings. coupling with the clamour for more monev demands for Herr Cano's resignation. The Socialist Party’s resolution, deposing Herr Cr.no. outlined the policy which they would he prepared to support. It was as follows:—(1) Vigorous reform of finances by contributions from trade and industry, through guaranteed mortgaging of real estate. (2) Restriction of inflation, and the issue of a gold basis currency. (3) Wages to be placed on a real value basis.

(4) An active foreign policy with a solution of reparations, conditional upon the complete preservation of the nation and the sovereignty of the Republic. (5) Application for membership in the League of Nations, and disassociation of the Reichswelir from all illegal associations. The city is quite at present, hut the authorities are still anxious. Tho Wilhclnistrnsse is closed to traffic and troops are guarding the Government offices.

AN ANNIVERSARY. BERLIN. Aug. 12. The fourth anniversary of the founding of the Republic, although it passed quietly in Berlin owing to strong police measures^ 1 was marked in many provincial centres by violent clashes between niiti-Governinent demonstrators and police. There was a heavy death roll, and altogether over 100 people were wounded.

At Gelsenkirchen, Prussia, Communists erected a scaffold upon which they hanged elfiigios of Herr Stinnes and Herr Cuno. The police three times charged the mob. tore down the figures and demolished the scaffold, hut each time the mob rushed the police and restored the tableau.

While the police were intervening a third time a workman snatched a policeman’s revolver and shot him dead.

The mob later surrounded the police station and opened fire with rifles and revolvers. The police returned-the lire and the mob retreated, leaving five dead and a dozen wounded. In Hanover the Communists exhorted the workers to invade the shops and seize the foodstuffs. Over forty people were wounded.

At Pasewalk. in Pomerania, thirteen were killed and many wounded when the provision shops were plundered. Similar scenes occurred in Breslau, Strassfurth, Fraukenhausen, Aachen and llaareii. ITALIAN VIEW. ROME. August 18. The “Tribune’’ says: “The British ~oto has destroyed the illusions of those who anticipated a change in the British policy. Tho latter ot ton appears slow, and even sleepy, but it- is inflexible, and most logical when ltimlamontnls are involved. No question could he more serious for England than -.io Ruhr, which now involves the formation cf a dangerous industrialmilitary hegemony on the Continent-. No British Cabinet-can remain doubtful as to the line it should follow in such an emergency.”

lIAM B U KG JOIST U IU3 ANCE . BERLIN, August 12. Some fighting occurred in Hamburg etween strikers and police. A number of ihe former were killed. A man was arrested in Berlin lor unmuzzling his dog. He told the policeman that “ho "'as as stupid a.s a Frenchman!" The Magistrate, in imposing a fine of two million marks, said that there was no greater insult than such a comparison.

ITALIAN ATTITUDE. ROME. .August 15. Tile Italian Press is generally lavourable towards Britain's attitude regarding the reparations. “Epoea” cnaraoteriscs M. l’nim-aro’s speech as full of sophistry. “ll Mondo” says:-“England is safeguarding her own interests, which are not opposed to the interests ol the wornl.’’ The paper agrees with the contention that the occupation of the Ruhr is a violation of the Versailles Ti ea tv.

A FRENCH CRITICISM

PARIS, August 13

“be Temps” declares.—Tne British Note disposes of Belgium’s ease with a lui-Teniess and injustice unworthy of a great Power, and it aggravates Germany's plight, because it supplies Franco and Italy with a motive to lone the Germans to pay England. The result of all England’s pressure upon the European nations falls upon the United States. The Note and its annex will lead irresistibly to collusion. Everything would' easily he settled if the United States would renounce- its claim against- England.

A FRENCH REPORT

LONDON. Aug. M

The. French Government has issued a Yellow Book, containing the recent dispatches between M. Poincare and Count hit. Aulairc (French Ambassador in London). The latter says that Lord Curzon admitted that the political aspect of the Ruhr occupation dominated the legal altitude, which later lint exclusively inspire the British policy. >l. Poincare, in replying, agreed that it was useless to discuss the legal altitude. and he declared London allows itself to lie influenced by voices front Berlin which demand that Germany should not be forced to endure the humiliation oi capitulation. The “Morning Post's” Paris correspondent says: ‘‘The French document, while containing little that is new shows that Britain and France are seeking every opportunity to avoid a quarrel.

BRITAIN’S ATTITUDI-

LONDON, Aug. I t

The “Daily Express” argues that the British Note implies a tremendous departure in policy, namely, a definite orientation of Britain towards Germany, and away irom h ranee, ft says. “It advocates the withdrawing of on. Rhine troops, and the quitting or Europe, leaving France and Germany to settle their differences, while wo maintain full claims to all debt and reparations due.’ The “Westminster Gazette” says:— Mr Baldwin has evolved a far-reach-ing policy, and he will lose no time in accepting the German proposal for an impartial commission of experts, it M. Poincare's reply makes it clear

thnt nothing can fie .gained by further negotiations. The “Gazette” adds:— “Tho Ministers will probably be summoned in a few days to decide tho next step.” NEW GERMAN PREMIER. LONDON, Aug. 14 Tho "Daily Chronicle’s” Berlin correspondent states: Chancellor Strcscmann’s position in the business world brings him in the closest contact with the most prominent magnates, among whom, however, he has some rather bitter enemies. It is suggested that his policy will he towards negotiations with the Entente, or with Franco alone, along the road of an economic understanding. Stresemann, compared with the weak, hesitating Cuno, is goahead. He will hit hard and talk straight. BERLIN, Aug. 14. Ilorr Strosemann’s Coalition Cabinet comprises- the following ministers:— Herr Hilferding (Radical), Minister of Finance ; Herr Raumcrs (People’s Party). Minister cf Economy; Herr Heinrich. Minister of Railways; Herr Rad--I,rugh ('Socialist), Minister of Justice; Herr Rucks Centre Party), whose portfolio is not stated. Some of the portfolios, such as Defence. Posts and telegraphs, and Labour are unchanged. Tho new Cabinet represents all par, ties except tho Communists. The latter are actively opposed to it, and are causing trouble. Despite the troubles, the new Government is hopeful that by its financial policy, it will save the country from tho Communists and Royalists.

AMERICAN OPINION. (Received this day at 9.45 a.in.) WASHINGTON. Aug. 15. The United States Government has refused to comment oflieiallv on tho British Note since the United States is not a direct party to the correspondence, but high officials declare that the United States is deeply concerned about the situation and hopes for an eventual settlement. It is also learned that diplomats here regard the note as the first definite defiance towards France, and the Francophile diehnrds, thereby sanctioning Germany’s policy of resistance in tho Ruhr.

The belief is unanimous here that Herr Stresemann will substantially follow Herr Cuno's policy. Hence, it is Inconceivable that Germany should capitulate to France, since Britain lias alienated herself from Trench policy.