COLD-BLOODED MURDER

Auckland Star, Volume 304, Issue 304, 23 December 1926, Page 7

COLD-BLOODED MURDER

FRANCO-GERMAN CLASH. FRACAS IN BAVARIA. ANGER AT COURT SENTENCES. ______ (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 11.30 a.m.) BERLIN, December 22. The German Press is incensed at the finding of the court-martial on the Germersheim shooting affray, which took place last September. The Court acquitted Lieut. Rouzier, a French officer, while a German, Mathes, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, minor sentences being passed on five other Ger-1 mans. Unabated indignation at the Landau judgment is voiced in the morning Press, which unanimously declares that while German territory is occupied and such acts are committed with impunity, real Franco-German conciliation is impossible. The "Berliner Lokal-Anzeiger" states that the verdict will unite all hearts in Germany. The "Kreuz Zeitung*' says: "Thus does Locarno look in reality." The "Deutsche Tageszeitung" states: "The decision will not be forgotten when France again tries to mislead Germany with promises." The "Berliner Allgemeine Zeitung" says the verdict which acquits the murderer and sentences his victims is a bloody mockery of justice. Two French soldiers are said to have quarrelled with several Germans, one of the latter being killed and another, Mathes, wounded by shots from French soldiers. Messages from Berlin state that the news of the finding of the Court was received with great • indignation in official quarters. The findings of the Court and the sentences are described as a travesty on justice. It is asserted that all the weight of evidence was against the plea that Lieut. Rouzier was provoked. The death of Mueller is described as a cold-blooded murder. The verdict is certain to arouse considerable feeling in Germany, and responsible quarters fear it will undo a great deal of the good work started at Locarno for the improvement of Franco-German relations.