DISMANTLING IN GERMANY

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26057, 9 March 1950, Page 5

DISMANTLING IN GERMANY

DEMONSTRATIONS IN STEEL WORKS BRITISH OFFICIALS ISSUE WARNINGS (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, March .8. The British High Commissioner in Germany (General Sir Brian Robertson) yesterday warned Germans that so long as demonstrations against dismantling continued, proposals to remove several German works from tne dismantling list would not be considered. Commenting on the demonstrations at Watenstedt-Salzgitter, he said: If this is the attitude of the people they can expect nothing from me. I am not going to consider anything while this sort of thing goes on.” He had been prepared to be reasonable, he said, but “this nonsense’ had made him change his mind. . “I was considering allowing the Germans to retain certain machine tools, but now I shall not even consider it. I want to make it quite clear that I shall not tolerate such nonsense. General Robertson said that adequate German police protection was available for the dismantling crew, and the reason why it was not used would be investigated. The British Commissioner for Lower Saxony (Brigadier J. Lingham) told representatives of the Hermann Goering works at Watenstedt-Salzgitter that he would neither halt dismantling at the -plant nor withdraw British troops until order had been restored. Brigadier Lingham, in a most outspoken speech, said that he was dismayed by “the criminal acts” of German worKers and the total inadequacy of the German police to cope with the situation. , , x , . Brigadier Lingham reproached the German authorities for not submitting plans to transform disputed sections of the works into peaceful industries. Demolitions would continue until plans had been submitted. Relaxation of Ban Recalled He reminded the management that only a few weeks ago the Allies had given permission for the retention of 400 machine tools set down for dismantling. He added: “I am disillusioned. He gave a warning that the British authorities would not tolerate further outbreaks of and added: “You are responsible and must restore peace. Do it now. Time is short.” I

Dr. Rheinlander. representing the management, asked for the suspension of dismantling for three months while the British and German authorities discussed the matter. Brigadier Lingham snapped back that he was not prepared to discuss the subject while disturbances continued. A West German Government spokesman in 1 Bonn said that the Cabinet had discussed the rioting on Monday and had stronglv condemned it. He added that the Government would do everything in its power to take measures against the ringleaders and prevent a repetition of the rioting. The West German Labour Minister (Mr Anton Storch) has gone to the plant from Bonn in an attempt to ease the tension. Armoured Car Stoned A crowd of workers at WatenstedtSalzgitter protesting against the dismantling of/the steel works held up two British patrol cars yesterday and pelted an armoured car with stones when it drove up to investigate. German worKers chanted “Heil Hitler” aS they stoned the British car. They surged around, jeering “Fascist swine” until a British soldier, nursing a bruised arm, swung a gun in their direction.

Twelve rioters were arrested. Between 109 and 150 British troops and several light armoured cars arrived at the works yesterday. An official at the plant said that the British Army had ordered that living quarters for 300 soldiers be provided at the works. A German dismantling squad yesterday blew up part of the coke producing plant in one of the foundries. Britisn tanks and infantry stood guard. One German dismantling firm, the Hanebeck 'Company, said yesterday that it would not work on the plant under the protection of British soldiers. It took its men off the job.