SAAR SHOOTING

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 December 1934, Page 7

SAAR SHOOTING

HILARITY AT NIGHT CLUB ANTI-BRITISH CAMPAIGN [by CABLE—PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, December 17. The “Daily Mail’s” Saarbrucken correspondent says: The night club that was visited by Justice and his companions was the scene of wild hilarity during their presence. Prince Lowenstein (who is an anti-Nazi) stated that the conduct, of Captain Justice and another police official was so outrageous that he. (Lowenstein) and his half-brother, Count Von Alvensleben, despite the lateness of the hour, decided to report the matter to Mr. Knox, so as to avoid a greater scandal, but when en route to Mr. Knox’s house, they met a police officer, and told him. He thanked them, and then went to the night club. OFFICIAL OPINION. BERLIN, December 17. Official circles, while regretting the Saarbruecken incident, emphasise that it has no political’ significance. They expect a thorough investigation and the punishment of the culprit. GERMAN WOMEN WARNED. (Recd. December 18, 11 a.m) LONDON, December 17. The,British United Press Saarbrucken correspondent says: — An anti-Britisli campaign has started in the Saar, as the result of the Justice incident. Verbal attacks are directed chiefly against the British, but they are intended for foreigners generally. The Nazi press is magnifying the incident as much as possible. The agitation is directed against the police, not the British soldiers,’ who are promised a warm welcome. Some hot-headed members of the “German Front” however, warn women not to taJk to any Britishers, otherwise “something unpleasant will happen.” Saarbrucken is gaily decorated with holly. There is plenty of evidence of the Christmas spirit, but little of peace and goodwill, owing to the highly-col-oured German newspaper accounts. The average Saarlander is now convinced that a British police officer deliberately attacked a Saarlander, and wilfully fired on the crowd. Nazis forbid women even to smile at the British troops.

CONDITION OF VICTIMS. (Received December IS, 2.30 p.m.) SAARBRUCKEN, December 17. Captain Justice left the hospital with his head "bandaged. He is still suffering slightly from manhandling. He underwent an hour’s questioning by the Chief of Saar Criminal Police. Saar is generally quiet, except for smoulderring animosity towards the English among certain sections. Lord Aylesford has recovered, and Neumeisterer is progressing favourably. Mrs Heig remains in hospital, though her condition is not serious. SIR J. SIMON’S STATEMENT. . [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, December 17. The Saarbrucken incident was brought to the notice of the Commons by the Opposition Leader (Mr Lansbury), who asked for a statement by the Foreign Secretary. Sir J. Simon, replying, explained that the Saar police force was under the sole authority of the Saar Governing Commission, upon which continued to rest the primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order in the territory. His Majesty’s Government had, of course, no responsibility cither for the recruitment or the selection of members of that force. He understood the recruitment abroad for this police force had now ceased, in view of the despatch to the Saar of the international force, which had no connection with the Saar police, but which was placed at the disposal of the Governing Commission, for the purpose of maintaining order in case of need. The Governing Commission had issued special instructions for a prompt and thorough investigation, and the police officer concerned had been suspended until the matter was officially cleared up. As the question is still sub-judice, Sir John Simon was unable to make any further statement, except that, whereever the blame might be tcand to be, such an incident, at this time, was exceedingly unfortunate. There -was no reason to anticipate political complications, and he emphasised again that neither the international force nor the British contingent had any connection with the matter whatever.

ON THE MOVE. [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, December 17. The transport of units of the British contingent of the Saar international force began yesterday, and is continuing to-day. The supply detachment and 20 lorries crossed to Calais yesterday, the signal companies and transports following. Part of the force will entrain to-morrow for Saarbrucken. The road corps will leave Calais on Wednesday, proceeding towards Lille, and by roads parallel with the old trenches.' The Swedish contingent, numbering 260, will travel via Berlin and Frankfort, arriving in the Saar on Saturday. KRUPP’S RESIGNATION. (Received December IS, 10 a.m.) BERLIN, December 17. Krupp has resigned the leadership of the German industry. Dr. Schacht requested Ewald Hector, leader of the Reich’s Economic Chamber, to replace Krupp, who is concentrating . on the management of his own firm, in view of Germany’s re-armament. Schacht and Krupp differed over the aVotment of foreign currencies for the I purchase of raw materials, though they are reported to be reconciled.