Crisis in Germany

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIII, Issue 256, 13 October 1923, Page 5

Crisis in Germany

The Reichstag A DRAMATIC SITTING. STRESEM ANN ’S APPALLING TASK, (By Cable. Press Association.—Copyright. I London, Oct. 12. lhe “Daily Chronicle s” Berlin correspondent describes the Reichstag siloing as the most uramalie ever held l he Government early judged the situation to be most critical. Stresemann decided on strong action and lett the House to ’iiterview President Ebert, and obtain powers to dissolve the Reichstag should the emergency pow ers bjli be defeated, lie returned and told the leaders. 'lhe news created a sensation, The Socialists hurriedly assembled and decided to vote in favour instead of abstaining, as they intended, but the news did not afieet the Communists or Nationalists. The debate was continued, but few gave it any attention. One party meeting was held after ano therThe excitement grew more and more intense. The debaters covered every topic, from the dollar to the Dusseldorf negotiations, from junkers tu Jews. A Nationalist charged Stresemann with bluffing and he was shouted down. Between now and Saturday absent Deputies will be whipped up. It is thus hoped to secure tho necessary majority. The “Daily Express’s” Berlin correspondent says : “Stresemann gave me an interview this morning. He looked harassed and pale, but speaks with confidence. He said: “It is no easy task to introduce new currency without the Ruhr and the Rhineland or the slightest help from, outside, but we have got to have it. You saw that young fraulein as you entered. She is my secretary. 1 give her ten milliard marks. She says, ‘Thank you very much.’ Next day she comes back ana says, ‘Herr Chancellor, what shall 1 do with the money ? 1 ciin buy nothing with it-’ So it is all over Germany. 1 have got to put the brakes on before the coach, is over the abyss. It is going to be hard. 1 have had a struggle since 1 came into office. Please tell England 1 am. doing my best,” Later, when he received a deputation of German editors, Stresemann said: “The salvation of Germany is not a question of days, but hours.” 'Hie “Daily Express” states that representatives of Stinnes have been working at fever heat at a West End hotel endeavouring to arrange a £5,000,000 loan in .London, offering as security foreign currencies stored outside of Germany. The purpose of the loan is the establishment of credits to purchase British coal for the unoccupied territory.—(A. and N.Z.)