Central Powers.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IX, Issue 82, 21 March 1919, Page 5

Central Powers.

BLOODSHED IN BERLIN.

EXTREMISTS GAINING STRENGTH.

(Received 21, 8.55 a.m.) London, March 15

The ‘’Daily Telegraph’s” Rotterdam correspondent states that although Herr Noske has been victorious in pitched battles, there is still much desultory rifle fire in Berlin at night time, and occasional shells from the Spartacist artillery. Over 600 dead are lying in the morgue and the hospitals. Many Spartacist victims have been buried secretly. There is strong revulsion in feeling against the ruthlessness oi the Government troops in their summary executions, especially in Lichtenburg, where scores of innocent men and children were killed.

Berliners believe that the extremists are gaining strength throughout the country, and will engineer another outbreak.

It is significant that the trade unions and co-operative societies are discussing with the Majority Socialist officials with the view of installing an Independent Socialists’ Government, and the passing of a bill forbidding traffic in Russian money and securities, hoping thus to prevent the Spartacists obtaining Russian financial support. — (A. and N.Z.)

FRENCH OCCUPY MANNHEIM.

(Received 21, 9.20 a.m.) Paris, March 19

The French are reported to have occupied Mannheim and Karlsruhe, in consequence of a Spartacist outbreak.—(A. and N.Z.)

THE ALL-HIGHEST.

(Received 21, 9.5 u a.m.) Berlin, March IP.

In defence of the cx-Kaiser’s flight, Hindenburg is publishing a statement that the Kaiser’s runaway was due to the weakening of the army and the spread of revolutionary opinion.