A RHENISH STATE

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 74, 25 September 1923, Page 7

A RHENISH STATE

MUCH-DISCUSSED PROJECT

ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST.

(PUUUSHED IN THE TIMES.)

(Received 25th September, 10 a.m.) . LONDON, 24th September. .' The Cologne correspondent of "The Times" says that a project discussed on jill sides ■is the formation of a Rhine'land State separated 'from "Prussia ami enjoying, equal status with other German States. "It is argued that France '. might be placated if he were shown that such a States' would promote French se•curity against Prussian aggression. It is i-Jso considered that other German States might agree if they were convinced thai the arrangement would defeat those who- aimed at separation of the Rhineland 'completely from Germany. ' The loading Social Democratic organ, the "Rhenische Zeitung," advocates unconditional capitulation, and even the abandoning of tho Ruhr victims to the mercy of France. The wilder Socialists see in capitulation a. plot between Franco and the Ruhr industrialists for the enslavement of the workers. They hint at strikes and every imaginable method of assistance. *'■ Meanwhile, tho industrialists are nn- ■» deis.tood to favour conversations with Berlin to ascertain how the project of a Rhenish State is likely to be received. They dare not make the proposal themselves, but believe, that it might be achieved if .the suggestion formally emanated from Berlin.