BREACH THREAT.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1920, Page 5

BREACH THREAT.

TROOPS TO OCCUPY RUHR. BOMBASTIC GERMAN yiBW, ALLIES'NOT BLUFFING. j JSjr Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received July 15, 5.5 p.m. London, July 14. The Allied delegates met on Tuesday. Marshal Foch and General Magliuse conferred on the military situation, and in the meanwhile no communication was held with the Germans. It appears that a break up is imminent, and the Allies will occupy the Ruhr Valley. Italian and British generals are expected to-night. A member of the German delegation, interviewed, said: "We are not here under compulsion. It was different at Versailles, where we were forced to sign things which could not be fulfilled. We are now too honest to agree to an impossible plan. It is unfair to blame Herr Stinnes, for the miners absolutely refuse to work overtime unless the extra coal obtained is used for German requirements." Herr von Simons (Foreign Minister) requested an audience with Mr.. Lloyd George, who, after consulting M. Millerand, agreed, and earnestly pointed out the gravity of the situation, emphasising that the Allies were not bluffing.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. FRANCE INSULTED. HER'FLAG PULLED DOWN. BITTER FEELING AROUSED. I Received July 16, 1.15 a.m. London, July 15. The Berlin correspondent of the Times says all Press correspondence from Spa commenting on the presence of Marshal Foch and Sir Henry Wilson reaffirms that the Germans are absolutely determined not to accept the conditions, regarding them as impossible of fulfilment. The news of the Allies' firmness is stirring up bitter feeling. A crowd assembled before the, French Embassy at Berlin demanded the -removal of the national flag. The police drove off the demonstrators, whereupon a man in a German uniform climbed on the roof and pulled down and stole the flag. The Embassy hoisted another. The incident has created great excitement. A Daily Mail Spa message saye the Allies are ready .for the immediate occupation of the Ruhr region if the terms are rejected. —United Service. GERMANY STATES EXCUSES. OFFER NOT ACCEPTED. Paris, July 14. The newspapers applaud Mr. Lloyd George's attitude in regard to the demands for coal from Germany. The Matin states that he suggested that Marshal Foch and Sir H. Wilson should be summoned to Spa.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

Spa, July 13. A Conference communique says that Herr von Simons (Foreign Minister), lias advanced the' serious difficulties facing the German Government as regards greater coal tonnage until it has obtained the assent of the owners and miners to increase the output. He submitted German proposals for the delivery of 56,000 tons per working day from next Octo&er, and 68,000 tons daily from October, 1921, conditionally on the possibility of improving the feeding and housing of the workmen. The Belgian Premier expressed, on behalf of the Allies, their deep disappointment and said the reply had created a grave situation. He reminded Herr von Simbns that the Reparations Commission had already reduced the Treaty provisions as regards coal, and of the Allies' willingness still to hear German explanations and offers. He added that, in view of the German Government's attitude, which took account neither of the Treaty reparations nor the commission's programme and made totally inadequate offers, the conference would be suspended to enable the Allies to examine the situation. The communique concludes: Marshal Foch and Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson will be summoned to Spa for matters of extreme urgency.—Reuter Services.