THE COAL CRISIS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 250, 16 July 1920, Page 7

THE COAL CRISIS

GERMAN PROPOSALS QUITE INADEQUATE

GRAVE SITUATION CREATED OCCUPATION OP RUHR PROBABLE (By Teleer&ph-Prejß Associatlon-CopyriirM London, July 13 A Spa Conferenoe communique states: —Herr von Simons advanced' serious difficulties that are facing the Government in regard to a delivery of greater coal tonnage until it obtained the assent of the owners and miners to increase the output. He submitted tho German proposals for the delivery of 50,000 tons per working day from next Octobor, and 69,000 tons daily from October, 1921, conditionally on the possibility of improving the feeding and housing of the workmen. Tho Belgian Premier expressed the Allies' deep disappointment, and said the reply created a grave situation. He reminded Herr von Sitnons that the Reparation!) Commission had alreudy reduced the Treaty provisions regarding coal, and of the Allies' Willingness still to hear German explanations and oflei's. He added that in view of the fieiumn Government's attitude, which took account neither of the Treaty nor of tho Reparations Commission's ' programme, and made totally inadequate offers, the conference would bo suspended to enable tho Alliea to examine the situation. The communique concludes: "Marshal Foch and Field-Marshal Sir Henry Wilson were summoned to Spa for matters of extreme urgency."—Renter.

Paris, July IV The iwrepaperg applaud Mr, Lloyd Geqrge's attitude at bpa. The "Matin" states that he suggested that Marshal Foch and Sir Henry Wilson should bo summoned to the Conference.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BREAK-UP IMMINENT ALLIES MAY OCCUPY RUHR. (Rec. July 15, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 14. The Allied delegates met on Tuesday. Field-Marshal Foch and General Mag* liuse conferred on the military situation. Afeinwhilo there has been no communication with the Germans. It a PPe® r J that a break-up is imminent, and that the Allies will ocoupy the Ruhr Valley. The Italian and British generals are expected to-night. A niomber of the German delegation interviewed, said: "We are not here under compulsion. It was different at Versailles, where we werie forced to sign tilings which could not be fulfilled. We are now too honest to agree to an impossible plan. It is unfair to blame Herr von Stinnes, for the miners abolutely refuse to work overtime unksa tho extra coal obtained is used for Gorman requirements. Herr von Simons requested an audienco with Mf. Lloyd George, who, after consulting with M. Millerand, agreed, and earnestly pointed out tho gravity of tho situation, emphasising that the Allies were not bluffing—Router.

ALLIES READY TO OCCUPY RUHR •REGION. (Reo. July 16, 1.15 a.m.) London, July 15. Tho "Dailv Mail" Spa message says that the Allies are ready for the immediate occupation of the Ruhr region if the terms are rejected.—United Sorvico. GERMANS WIU/miT AND SEE" • VON STINNES BELIEVES ALLIES ARE BLUFFING. , (Rec. July 15, 5.5 p.m.) Spa, July U. Marshal Foch has arrived. Tho Germans.<leclaro that they will wait and see what the Entente does. The Allies retort that thfey will occupy Ruhr Tather than accept Herr von Simon's proposals. Herr von Stinnes is regarded as tho chief irritant, and tho directing hand behind tho German do legation, especially as Horr von Simon ■was Horr von Stinnes's secretary before tlio -war, and 60 is regarded as a mern puppet. Herr von Stinnes belioves the Allies are bluffing, and that their apparent "unity will break if the Germans continue 'resistance nntil the Bolsheviks are closer t*> Warsaw. Ho believes the threat of a general strike will provont tho Allies attempting to occupy Ruhr. The Italians aro olono reluctant to assent to tho occupation of further territory,— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ALLIES' FIRMNESS STIRRING BITTER FEELING FLAG REMOVED FROM FRENCH EMBASSY. (Rec. July 10, i.15 a.m.) London, July 15. The "Times" Berlin, correspondent says that all the Press correspondence from Spa is commenting on the prcsenoe of Marshal Foch and Sir Honry Wilson. Ha reaffirms that the. Germans are absolutely determined not to accept the conditions, regarding them as iropos?iblo of fulfilment. News of tho Allies' firmness is stirring up bitter feeling-. A crowd assembled before tho' French Embassy in Berlin and demanded the removal of tho national flag. Tho police drew off the demonstrators, whereupon a man in a German uniform climbed to the roof and pulled down and stole tho flag. The Embassy hoisted another. The incident ircatod great excitement—United Service.