GERMAN ITEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1923, Page 2

GERMAN ITEMS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. GER M,AX CONFEHENCE. $ LONDON, Sept. 23. A message from Berlin reports a semi-official statement to the effect that in connection with the threats from different quarters against the German Government a conference was held yesterday at which Ilerr Ebert, the Chancellor, the- Ministers of the Interior, Defence, and the Commandor-in-Chicf (Von Seeekt) were present, and it decided on measures to nip in the hud, all such attempts. Government circles are agreed that necessary measures should lie taken immediately to oppose any possible attempt to upsot the power of the State, and to secure for the Government, all the resources it may require.

Representatives of the occupied territory, particularly the Ruhr, will meet in Berlin at the beginning of the week in order to participate in the discussions with the Imperial Government and Presidents of the German States in regard to the cessation of passive resistance in the Ruhr. Ihe Imperial Government will then give its decision as a result of the discussions. Authoritative quarters are convinced that responsible circles in I'ranee must realise that without restoration of German sovereignty and normal conditions, with freedom of labour, a full return to the early productive activities in the Ruhr is impossible. Thus the Government’s decision will not ill any circumstance imply capitulation, whereby the Rhineland and the Ruhr will be given tip.

POINCARE AND GERMNAY. [Reuters Telegrams.] PARIS, Sept. 23. At the unveiling of a war monument at Champoneux, M. Poincare expressed astonishment that Germany had forgotten the generosity of her victors in 1018 at the signing of the Armistice, when about to invade Germany and destroy the last German divisions. There were still people across the Rhine who had neither eyes to see nor cars to hear, who led the country into .fresh catastrophes, foolishly expending in revolts against the Treaty signed by Germany—resources which might he employed in carrying it out. I hey scented to resemble suicidal maniacs. What is to be done? Let ns wait! When they are on the very edge of a precipice they can still thank God! To save themselves from falling they have only to recognise the vanity of their resistance and prove to us that they arc determined to keep their promises. But let them beware! The slope is steep and it is not we who are slipping.” Unveiling another war monument at Toul, M. Poincare emphasised the fact that the present crisis in Germany merely suspended Germany’s capacity to pay the reparations without diminishing in the future. Germany only lacked the desire topay. France had already paid over a hundred milliards in Germany's stoml and could no longer continue payments which were ruining her, nor could she interrupt the work of reconstruction in the devastated regions. So long as Germany delayed payment the French would remain where they weld:

GERMANY’S DECISION

EXPECTED THIS WEEK

LONDON, September 24

The “Daily Chronicle's” Berlin correspondent says:—“With one accord,' the Press announce this is the decisive week. Chancellor Strescmann on Monday, confers with the Hhur and Rhineland German leaders on the question of the passive resistance. On Tuesday he sees the Prime Ministers of the various German Slates. On Wednesday the Reichstag assembles. On Thursday Herr St resent anil makes a policy statement.”

“Many rumors are current regarding the ' possibility of a Nationalist “pul sell.” Herr Gessler, -Minister oi Defence, addressing the Democratic’ Party to-day, declared the danger of such a Nationalist rising must be regarded as serious, but lie claimed that the Reichwelir would prove reliable, from whatever quarter tho trouble came.”

“ The German Government announced to-night that all measures had been taken To suppress any disorder, including preparations for the proclamation of martial law throughout tho country. “ Financial questions have caused some disagreements among the Cabinet.”

ANGLO-FRENCH PROPAGANDA

LONDON. Sept. 23

The “Daily Express” says: “The association of Great Britain and France whereof Lord Derby is president, has apparently in circulation in the United Kingdom a Yellow Book printed in Paris, by the Foreign Office, containing tho British Note. The French rebuttal or comment is affixed in a parallel column. The whole is printed in English, showing that it must have been prepared for French propaganda in Britain. As such, it is. owing to tile present difference between two Powers, nil attack on the policy of tho Baldwin Cabinet, whereof 1 ,ord Derby is a member.” The “Daily Express” asks: Who is paying for the circulation of this document in Britain. '1 he natural supposition, it says, is that .he postage, at all events, has been undertaken !>v the Association. If so, does Lord Derby, as President, subscribe to the Association funds, as well as to its policy. If a satisfactory answer is not forthcoming, it adds, the public will be forced to the conclusion that a member «f the Cabinet has unwittingly sulsscribed to circulate propaganda design--0(1 to upset the policy ol his own Government.