SILESIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1919, Page 5

SILESIA.

• .OEBMANS ADMIT ATROCITIES, JKIIM3LAIM THEY WEBE JUSTIFIED. Br Telegraph.—Pru» Assn —Copyright. Berlin, Sept 9. A German official has completed an investigation in Uppej, Silesia. He states thft the Poles, after their success at Posen, attempted to win Upper Silesia for Poland. The German authorities realised the danger, and, imprisoned or expelled the leaders. ,The Germans also suppressed the Polish and German -Com- , munist movement, which began after the armistice. By spring the ferment among .the population necessitated serious measures, and martial law was proclaimed. The actual rising broke out on August 1?. The Polish Government, although sympathising when, the movement became national, did not support it with money or arms. The population supportad the rioters, who fired on the troops fMta hiding places. The troops became angry, and jt is possible some atrocities - were committed. Excesses were ineyit- ■' able in view of the densely populated districts and the well-armed population 'tW troops were subjected to great provocation. The military claimed that they, were justified in shooting people who were caught plundering or discovered armed, and admit that they shot 38 uader martial law. The troops, who , were augmented on August 21, restored "order.' The. report describes as gross exaggerations many of the reported brutalities. The Government claims that it is responsible for the maintenance of order fat Upper Silesia, which is still part of the German Empire. POLAND'S BLACK BOOK. Warsaw, Sept. 9. The Poles have decided to issue a Black Book of atrocities in Upper Silesia. A staff is engaged in examining 1500 cases. It is expected the number will be doubled before the oook is completed The Poles are Accepting only first-hand taformation. The situation is now outwardly calm. Tfhe Germans, by means of various threata and the enforcement of General Horsing's order that idle workmen will •4 liable to arrest have succeeded in getting the majority of the mines Workbig. Some Polish miners are deliberately restricting the output, which is now at the rate of ten million tone a year, compared with 40 million tons before the war.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. London, Sept. 9. The Allied Mission in Silesia recomiwbded the immediate occupation of Upper Silesia by Allied troops. ALLIED OCCUPATION URGED. Received Sept, 10,10.15 p.m. London, Sept. 9. The Allied Mission in Upper Silesia has telegraphed to Paris urging Allied occupation before the 20th inst.—Aus. SX Cable Assoc.