ALLIED OCCUPATION.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VIII, Issue 313, 6 December 1918, Page 5

ALLIED OCCUPATION.

Disillusions the Germans. Scenes in Rhineland Villages. The Allied Decision. Retribution and Restitution Demanded. [riLBM AMOCUTIOB—OOPYBIOHT.] London, December 4. War correspondents, describing the entry into Germany, say that it was a curious feeling going through villages where supposedly every person hates and curses you. The houses are closed and silent. Behind drawn curtains white faces stare. The desolation and silence is in marked contrast to the triumphal procession and the over-joyed population of the beflagged and decorated streets of Eastern France. Nearing Malmedy we saw the first German groups of men, who saluted silently, taking off their hats as the unceasing stream of cavalry, transport and artillery flowed by, leaving the Germans under no illusions regarding the fitness and power of the British Army. No German troops were visible. Order was kept by the new town guards, consisting of revolutionary soldiers who had left their regiments, giving up their arms, and wearing civilian cloths and white armlets. In the streets there were placarded notices by the burgomaster urging the population to keep order and bear themselves with dignitv and worthiness. ALLIED TROOPS URGED TO COURTESY AND RESTRAINT. A general order has been issued to the British army of occupation. It says that intercourse with the inhabitants of Germany must be confined to what is essential and be marked by courtesy and restraint. It would be unseemly that anything approaching familiarity should be allowed to enter into the relations of British soldiers and the men and women of the German nation. Reparation and compensation from the German people are matters for the appointed authorities to care for. (A. & N.Z.) A cable from Paris states that the Tenth French Army on the way to Mayence crossed the German frontier of 1870, occupying the valley of the Saar. THE HOHENZOLLERN GANG. ALLIES’ DECISION TO EXTRADITE WILHELM. London, December 4. A definite announcement is made by Mr. Bonar Law that the Allies have decided to demand the Kaiser’s surrender for a trial. They are only awaiting President Wilson’s confirmation. Furthermore, he stated that Germany must pay. He promised fhat Germans would be kept out of Britain. Lobbyists state that the conference discussed the extradition at length. The Allies’ leaders were unanimous, and the Dominions’ representatives expressed very strong views. The British law officers have advised that there is a clear case for extradition. ANOTHER CHARGE OF MURDER LODGED. Paris, December 4. Madame Prieur, whose husband was killed in the torpedoing of the Sussex in 1916, has lodged in the courts a charge of murder against the Kaiser. In connection with this it is noted that an extradition treaty exists between France and Holland. HOLLAND'S ATTITUDE. The Hague, December 4. In the Chamber, it was proposed by the Revolutionary Socialist Wynakoop that the question of the ex-Kaiser should be decided immediately, because it might endanger the importation of foodstuff’s. The motion was negatived by 59 votes to 4. —(A. & N.Z.) NONE MUST ESCAPE PUNISHMENT. (Received 6, 11.20 a.m.) London, December 4. Sir Auckland Geddes, speaking at Reading, declared that Enver Pasha and the ex-rulers of Bulgaria and Austria-Hungary must be tried, and shot if convicted. The Government’s policy includes production of power.— (A. & N.Z. and Reuter.) WILLIE'S RENUNCIATION. (Received 6, 11.30 a.m.) London, December 5. The “ Norddeutscher Zeitung ” says that the ex-Crown Prince is about to publish his personal renunciation of his rights. The proclamation does not mention the rights of his issue. He spend many hours daily writing feverishly a mysterious document. It is believed to be his own defence in readiness for his appearance before the world’s tribunal. CERMANY'B DEBT TO THE ALLIED NATIONS. PLENTY OF ASSETS TO PAY INTEREST. London, December 4. Mr. Harold Cox has made an exhaustive analysis of Germany’s ability to pay the Allied war costs. These total £25,000,000,000, including:— Britain’s £7,300,000,000, France’s £5,360,000,000, Idle United States’ £3,600,000,000, Russia’s £4,300,000,000. The value of the territorial annexations, including the colonies, must first be deducted, also the value of Alsace-Lorraine. France would also demand the Saar coal basin lost in 1815. The Germans must hand over £ 150,000,000 in gold, her merchant ships, and her investments abroad valued at about £500,000,000. When ail tiiese assets are taken, Germany may owe the Allies £10.000,000,000, on which the interest would be £500,000,000. Some of this may be paid by a royalty upon the coal fields in Westphalia and the potash mines in Saxony. The rest would be annual tribute for which the taxpayers would be responsible. Thus the Germans would be compelled to work and remain poor, while the Allies would be relieved of the burden of war debt and would enjoy a high standard of comfort and fewer hours of labour. Mr. Cox concludes, “ What better punishment can be devised?” • “PAY TO THE UTTERMOST FARTHINC.” COALITION GOVERNMENT’S POLICY. Received 6, 11.20 a.m.) London, December 4. Mr. Winston Churchill, speaking at Dundee, said the Admiralty had decided that it is unnecessary to demand Heligoland. The Government had decided upon the nationalisation of the railways. There would be no limitations whatever on British naval freedom. “We intend to make Germany pay to the uttermost farthing for the harm she has done. The payment will be in gold, shipping, securities, and other liquid assets. Britain entered the Peace Conference absolutely determined that no limitations shall be imposed to her right to maintain naval defence.