RUHR REVOLT.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 April 1920, Page 5

RUHR REVOLT.

HEAVY FIGHTING REPORTED.! Severe Losses on Each Side. The French Advance. tj Ttl«gr»s>h.—Press Ann.—Copyright. Received April 6, 8.45 p.m. London, April 6. A Berlin correspondent reports heavy fighting in tlte Ruhr. Then were severe losses on both atfu. 3eneral Witter has occupied Mulheim. r-Times Service. Received April 7, 12.45 a.m. London, April 6. 1 The French General de Goutte has advanced from Mayence and will occupy ftankfort forthwith. Be had already proclaimed martial law in Frankfort and other districts. A proclamation reassures the peaceable inhabitants, and adds that the German authorities will act under General de Goutte's control . All traffic i,s suspended during night hours. —Aus-N.Z. Cabls Assn.

SIGHTING AT ESSEN. DESPERATE STREET BATTLES. Received April 6, 8.5 p.m. London, April C. So!Pe reports from Paris assert that the Government ordered an immediate adttUoe in the neutral zone under General de Goutte. Other accounts state this rumor is not confirmed, and the Government merely directed Marshal Foch to make ready for emergencies. The Daily News correspondent at Essen reports severe fighting since Sunday afternoon in the outskirts of Essen. Government troopß penetrated the eubnifo, but the Reds drove them out after dtsperate street fighting. , There has been some looting within the town, tut the Reds are summarily shooting offenders.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PREPARATIONS BY PRANCE. ORDER MAY BE RESTORED SOON. Received April 6, 5.5 p.m. Paris, April 5. Although troops are ready to march further into Germany, France is withholding orders until she has informed the Allies of the reason for the step. A German Note expressed the confident hope that order will be restored in seven days. The Note adds that the Government troop* made a favorable impression and dispersed several marauding bands. there were heavy casualties on both rides where conflicts occurred. —Aus.NJZ. Cable Assn. CONFLICTING NEWS. GERMAN ADVANCE CONTINUES. Received April 7, 12.5 a.m. London, April 6. Conflicting news continues to arrive regarding Freneh action in the Ruhr. It is stated French troops have actually hgon the advance to Frankfort, but it is not clear whether the movement is decisive, or merely preparatory to the occupation of the city on a future occasion if Germany fails to give factionIt is semi-officially .announced the Paris Government declines to accept Germany's assurances that she ordered the withdrawal of tJhe Government troops from the neutral zone. On the contrary there is strong evidence that tba Reichawehr's advance continues. "Hie French Government, justifying the contemplated occupation of Frankfort, Darmstadt, Hanau, and Homburg, states it ha* plain proof that the German Government is the tool of the militarists; moreover, the workers in the Ruhr requested French protection against militarist aggression. The French Government points out tint the workers threaten to destroy mines before they will allow them to full into the German Government's hands. Such action would be a serious .injury tc French industry. France mnends to . withdraw as soon as the neutral zone is clear of German troops. We French Government adds that if the Peace Treaty clauses for the disarming of Germany had been properly enforced the German Government would not possess the existing military forces, nor W4nld the Reds have been able to obtain military material.

Despite numerous reports that the Fitnch Government has definitely resolved to act independently if the Alliefi refuse to co-operate, it is reported FifOcb action has been postponed for th« present pending further consideration of the position by 1 the Supreme Council.—Auß.-N.SS. Cable Assn.

QPPOSITIQN IN AMERICA. SCHEME WILL EMBARRASS GERMANY. Received April 8, 8.25 p m. Washington, April 5. France's reported intention to occupy German towns, as a result of the Ruhr disturbances, is not considered favorably here. It is the outspoken opinion generally that France will not accomplish any benefit to herself, while she will probably embarrass the German Government's attempts to put down Bolshevism and restore order.—AU3..-N-7 Cable Asm.