FRANCE’S ACTION

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 88, 10 January 1923, Page 5

FRANCE’S ACTION

GREATEST SECRECY MAINTAINED GERMAN DEFAULT IN COAL DELIVERIES . FURNISHES NEW WEAPON French troop trains are passing through Cologne on route to Ruhr. The German population are outwardly calm, but there Is said to be a smouldering, consuming hate of the , French. The German trade unions are discussing the question of hampering the French plans by a general strike. IT TILBGBAPH—PMSB ASSOCIATION. —COFYBIGHT. Paris, January 8. The greatest secrecy is being maintained as to France’s future action, but it is believed that the sanctions will bo applied without delay, either before or immediately after January 15, when five hundred million gold marks are due. As no moratorium has been granted, Germany is bound to schedule payments which she obviously cannot fulfil. Probably France eventually will consent to a conditional moratorium, fixable by the Reparations Commission. A. further grave German default is almost certain to be notified shortly in respect of coal deliveries, which win furnish France with a new weapon. It is understood that the Belgians will actively participate and the Italians morally support the application of the sanctions. ’ The military measures are described f s precautionary, and aimed to protect the civilian officials, who will act in the Rhineland and Ruhr military centres, and most likely in Essen. The occupation of Bochum will follow if necessary. General feeling in France warmly supports M. Poincare’s action.—“ The Times.” ARMY READY TO ADVANCE TROOP TRAINS PASS COLOGNE / i GERMAN WORKMEN’S PART (Rec. January 9, 9.45 p.m.) London, January 8. France stands on the eve of action. Marshal Foch’s army of forty to fifty J thousand’ troops is awaiting the signal to sweep forward to the Ruhr. There is intense anxiety in Rhineland over the imminence of the advance. The Cologne correspondent of “The Times” reports that the first train conveying French troops destined to occupy Essen passed through Cologne , tlds morning. Tire move completely surprised British Headquarters, whom the French suddenly requested to provide military guards . at stations and bridges in the British area during the passage of the troops. Tl/b was done. The German population was surprised and alarmed. The French authorities in Cologne anticipate that the French troops will be concentrated at Dusseldorf, an<l an actual move to Essen be made on January 9 or later. . Meanwhile France ia mobilising parties of skilled workers, civil and naval engineers, Railwaymen, and industrial specialists In order to control the industries in Ruhr. Some have actually gone forward. It is noteworthy that Belgian and Italian engineers and officials are to-operating. 'Various regiments had been warned to be ready to move at J, moment’s notice. Germany awaits the move in a mood ’ bf impotent protest. The civic officials In Essen deprecate the idea of organised resistance. Reports have reached Berlin that while the population will undoubtedly adopt passive resistance, the workmen are prepared to go further. The leader of one of the biggest trade unions in Ruhr told the Cologne “Times” correspondent; “I pledge you my word that the first movement of French troops shall lo / the signal for a general strike in Ruhr. The military folly means ruin and starvation to the workers.” The correspondent suggested that the miners should adopt a co, Aanny . policy. The leader replied: “l\e have always found in Ruhr we can do nearly everything with a bayonet except pick coal. Picks are better producers of reparations than the bayonet.” An important conference of all trade unions in Ruhr will bo held on January 9. at which the attitude of the workers in the case cf an advance will finally be decided. In the meantime the burgomaster of Essen is in ft dilemma over the impending invasion. There are no barracks or buildings to accommodate the troops. The housing shortage is acute, and at present 14,000 civilians are compulsorily billeted upon the majority of the families in Essen. It the troops come in, the bitterness of the population will be most acute. “Tho Times.” (Rec- January 10, 0.5 a.m.) London, .January 9. "The Times” correspondent reports that eleven troop trains are passing through en route to Ruhr. Much accommodation at the hotels has been requisitioned by the French staff, and a large party of civil engineers, who are taking over control of the Ruhr mines, have arrived. Forty French armoured cars are expected to participate in the advance, many cavalry accompanying them, although it is quite certain no resistance will be offered. It is interesting to note that the only German armed forces in the Ruhr consist of green police, numbering 8000, of whom 2000 are stationed at Essen — “The Times.”

POINCARE’S POLICY OF CAUTION SEEKING ALTERNATIVE TO RUHR ADVENTURE (Reo. January 9, 10.30 p.m.) London, January 9. Mr. Donohoe, the “Daily Chronfcle’g’’ Paris correspondent, says the French Communists have sent representatives to Ruhr. t These left before the engineers. It is said they will organise a miners’ strike, or in other ways seek to thwart the French plan. M. Poincare still chugs to the policy of extreme caution. lie opposes precipitate action, seeking an alternative to adventuring; into Ruhr.. . The Reparations Commission heard German experts regarding the default in coal deliveries. It i® understood Sir John Bradbury is of opinion that the default is not wilful. It is considered likely that M. Poincare will not proceed to tho seizure of productive

guarantees till the commission has answered the German demand for a fresh moratorium. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. NO MEN TO BE MOBILISED Paris, January 8. Following the meeting of Cabinet, M. Poincare announced that it was not intended to mobilise a single soldier or railwayman.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FRENCH ENGINEERS GO TO DUSSELDORF Paris, January 8. A party of mining and naval engineers has gone to Dusseldorf in readiness for tne occupation of the Ruhr, and will receive new instructions from Cabinet before advancing towards Essen. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SALVATION OF RHINELAND AIM OF GERMAN POLICY INDUSTRY AT FRANCE’S MERCY Berlin, January 8. The Ministers held many conferences at the week-end relating to, the new situation. It is generally recognised here that the occupation of the Ruhr will result in the whole fabric of Germany’s industry being at France’s mercy. The Government is faced with trouble from the miners, who, with the railwaymen’s support, are demanding increased wages and a reversion to the eight-hour dav. The Labour Minister’s intervention has hitherto been fruitless.

The Chancellor, Dr. Wirth, addressing a crowded mass meeting at Cologne, said that German policy must aim at the salvation of the Rhineland. “Even now,” he declared, “Germany is prepared to offer the hand to M. Poincare after her tremendous sacrifices and carry out a policy of fulfilment. Germany must not throw up the sponge.” The meeting passed a resolution expressing the Rhineland’s fealty to the Fatherland as a protest against th* French terror. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

GERMANS OUTWARDLY CALM

SMOULDERING HATE AGAINST FRENCH

(Rec. January 9, 8.40 p.m.)

London, January 9. The “Morning Post’s” Berlin correspondent states that the arrival of French troops at Dusseldorf was apparently regarded with calmness throughout the country. The attitude must not be mistaken for indifference. There is a smouldering, consuming, if momentarily impotent, hate against the French usurpers. It seems certain that France must draw a Customs barrier around the occupied territory, which will prevent tho smooth internal working of .1 ndustries. The “Deutsche Allgemeine” is clamouring for the publicity of the German reparation plan. It points out that its publication would obviate the need for a moratoriuim Germany would find satisfactory gjkrantees and strengthen its industry.” Ifcerr Stinnes and other industrialists are now prepared to meoi the obligations hitherto repudiated.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

TRADE UNIONS DISCUSSING STRIKE PLANS TO HAMPER FRENCH (Rec. January 9, 8.40 p.m.) London, January 9. The “Daily Chronicle’s” Berlin correspondent says the trad© unions are seriously discussing tho question of hampering the French plans by a general strike, as in the Kapp coup. Practical plans for the purpose were drafted some time ago. Meetings of miners at Ruhr yesterday passed a resolutten of protest against the French action. “The French threats hare done more in a few days tb mobilise and unify labour organisations than all internal political appeals,” the correspondent adds.

The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Express” states: “A high general staff officer told me the Ruhr may never bo completely occupied. Marshal Foch will only peacefully penetrate.”— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

AMERICA’S DISAPPROVAL (Rec. January 9, 8.40 p.m.) . Washington, January 8. The United States Government has officially announced that it. regards with distinct disfavour the proposed French plan to occupy the German industrial region. It is understood this view has been comipunicated by the Ambassador, Mr. Herrick, but there is no idea at present, of making a formal protest.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE FRENCH MAY SUFFER SHYLOCK’S FATE

AND LOSE MORE THAN A POUND OF FLESH

(Rec. January 9, 11.25 p.m.) New York, January 9.

Senator Harrison, in a speech, said Franco may exact compliance with every item of the Treaty of Versailles end move troops into Ruhr, but in doing so that great and patriotic people mav suffer the cruel fate of Shylock and lose even more than a pound of flesh in the method of collection.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

GERMAN CABINET CRISIS THREATENED DEMOCRATS’ DEMANDS (Rec. January 9, 10.30 p.m.) Berlin, January 9. A Cabinet crisis is threatened' owing to the Social Democrats demanding that Herr Bergmann’s proposals, which the Paris Conference refused to hear, shall be published and adopted along the lines of the British plan. The Democrats also demand that Herr Cuno shall introduce forcible measures to

make German industry and agriculture provide the guarantee required for reparation loans, and that an appeal bo made to tho Entente nations and the League of Nations. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DANGERS OF ANGLO-FRENCH BREACH CENSORED STATEMENT BY MR. HUGHES Sydney, January 9. A portion of the-meseago from Mr. W. M. Hughes, apologising for his absenco from the banquet given by the Fiench Consul-General to tho officers of the French squadron was censored by the French Consul on the ground that it would have given offenco to certain guests present. Tho passage omitted stated that if Mr. Hughes had been able to attend he would not have alluded to the situation created by the differences of opinion between France and England on the question of reparations.

He continued: “The position is serious, but could be made worse by indiscreet comments. We must leave it to those in authority and on the spot to find soma modus vivendi. France and tho British Empire must compose their differences. The alternative of a breach between the two nations would be a disaster, full of deadly menace to civilisation, and would make us despair of the future.” He concluded: “We pray earnestly for the world to bo saved from the appalling conse quejnees of such incredible folly and wickedness.” The passage has been generally condemned.—Press Assn.

FRENCH GOLD SENT TO LONDON

QUESTION OF ITS RETURN

Paris, January 8. Deputy Klotz, Finance Minister In 1919, denies the British statement that France agreed that her gold sent to London in 1916 should not be repaid until Franca paid her debts to Britain and declares that under the original agreement the return of the gold was not dependant upon the repayment of France’s debts, which had not then reached their present large total. — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.