GERMANY

Evening Star, Issue 17320, 7 April 1920, Page 4

GERMANY

* THE RUHR REVOLT. FRENCH TO OCCUPY FRANKFORT. Pre* Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON. April 6. Conflicting news continues to arrive regarding French action in the Ruhr basin. It is stated that French troops have actually begun to advance on Frankfort, but it i 3 not clear whether the movement is decisive or merely preparatory to the occupation of the city on a future occasion if Germany fails to give satisfaction. It is semi-officially announced that tho Paris Government decline to accept Germany's assurances that she has ordered the withdrawal of tho Government troops from tho neutral zone. On the contrary, ' there is strong evidence that the advance j of tho Reichswehr continues. • | The French Government, in justifying the contemplated occupation of Frankfort, ' Darmstadt, Hanau, and Homburg, state ! that they have plain proo-f that the Geri man Government are the tools of the | militarists. Moreover, the workers in j Ruhr -district requested French protection j against militarist aggression, j The French Government further point out that the workers threaten to destroy the mines before they wili allow them to fall into the hands oi the German Government. . Such action would inflict a serious . injury upon French industry. France | intends to withdraw as soon as the neutral i zone is clear of German troops. ! The French Government add that, if i the Peace Treaty clauses for tho disarming of Germany had been properly enforced, the German Government would not possess the existing military forces, nor would the Reds have been able to obtain military material. Despite numerous reports that tlie French Government have definitely resolved to act independently if the Allies i refuse to co-operate, it is reported that 'French action is being postponed for the ''present, pending further' consideration of the position by the Supremo Council. Some reports from Paris assert that the Government have ordered an immediate advance in the neutral zone under General De Goutte. Other accounts state that this rumor is not confirmed. The Government merely directed Marshal Foch to make ready for emergencies. Later. General De Goutte, of the French army, lias advanced from Mayence, and will occupy Frankfort forthwith. He lias already proclaimed martial law in Frankfort anil other districts. The proclamation reassures peaceable inhabitants, and adds that the German authorities will act- under General De Goutte's control. All traille is suspended during the hours of the night. [lt is 20 miles from Mavence to Frankfort.] WASHINGTON, April 5. France's reported intention to occupy German towns as a result of the Ruhr disturbances is not considered favorably here. It is the outspoken opinion generally that France will not accomplish any benefit to herself, while she will probably embarrass the German Government's attempts to put- down Bolshevism and restore order. FURTHER FIGHTING. REDS v. KEICHSWF.hr. PARIS, April 5. Although troops are ready to march further into Geimany, France is withholding orders until she has informed the Allies of her reason for the step. A German Note expresses the confident hope that order will be restored in seven days, and adds that the Government, troops made a favorable impression, and dispersed- several marauding bands. There were heavy casualties on both sides where csnflicts occurred. 'The Times.' LONDON, April 6. ' The Times's' Berlin correspondent reports that heavy fighting has taken place in the Ruhr district, with severe losses on both sides. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. General Wetter has occupied Mulheim. The '-Daily News's' correspondent at Essen reports severe lighting since Sunday afternoon in the outskirts of Essen. Tlie Government troops penetrated the I suburbs, but. the Reds drove them out after desperate street fighting. There has been some looting within the town, but the Reds are summarily shooting the offenders. THE RUHR COUP. DUPING THE ALLIES. PARIS. April 5. The Press regard the Ruhr coup as a replica of the Berlin coup d'etat. It was engineered by the Prussian General Stab', of whom the Government are either accomplices or dupes. Their explanations are contemptuously received by the Press, of which sections advise caution until alt the Allies participate. The majority, however, think that the situation warrants France, acting independently, irrespective of their allies from London, Rente, and Washington. BRITAIN'S ATTITUDE. LONDON, April 5. It is understood that Britain's attitude will be one of watchful waiting. FRANCE MOVES ALONE. PROTEST BY THE UNITED STATES. WASHINGTON, April $. It is understood that the United States has protested against the French occupation of German towns.