DAWES BILLS

Northern Advocate, 25 August 1924, Page 5

DAWES BILLS

STORMY REICHSTAG SCENES.

SHRIEKS TOR AMNESTY. SITTING ADJOURNED. (Received 9 a.m.) ; BERLIN, August 23.. All the papers interpret the Nationalist Party's resolution to mean that they will vote against,the Dawes Bills in the Reichstag next , week, ensuring their rejection. This will mean an immediate, dissolution of the Reichstag and another general election, which is tantamount to a plebiscite. There were stormy scenes when the Reichstag assembled. The Communists demanded immediate discussion of Communist motions as being more .important than the Government declaration on the surrender of the German people to international capitalists, also an immediate dissolution and a plebiscite on the Dawes report. Dr. Marx was prevented from beginning a statement on the London Conference by prolonged Communist shrieks for an amnesty to political prisoners. The President of the Reichstag was ultimately obliged to adjourn the sitting and to suspend a Communist member, Herr Schwa rz, for 20 sittings. When the Reichstag resumed later Herr Stresemami made a fighting speech, strongly criticising the attitude of the Nationalists. He said he believed that the London decisions were not the final goal, but might prove the beginning of a movement resulting in the collaboration of all nations. The debate was adjourned until Monday.—Reuter. VOTE OF CONFIDENCE. PASSED BY FRENCH CHAMBER. (Received 9.5 a.m.) PARIS, August 24. After further debate on the London Conference decision the Chamber adopted a vote of confidence in the Government by 330 to 204 votes. The sitting was adjourned till Monday. —Reiiter. BLESSING OR CURSE. GRAVE RESPONSIBILITY. (Received 9.15 a.m.) BERLIN, August 23. Dr. Marx iu the Reichstag read his statement on the London Conference which the uproar prevented him delivering yesterday. The Chancellor was frequently interrupted by ironical laughter of the Nationalists. He paid a tribute to Mr Ramsay Mac Donald's impartiality. The decisions of the London Conference undoubtedly would seriously burden Germany, but they marked progress compared with the present state of affairs. The Government did not consider the settlement final, but would do its utmost to effect speedy evacuation of the Ruhr and other sanction areas. He concluded by stating that the Reichstag was confronted with a terrible responsibility. Its decision would be a blessing or a curse to Germany.—A. and N.Z.

PASSAGE PROSPECT. NATIONALISTS MAY NOT VOTE. (Received 10 a.m.) . BERLIN, August 24. Opinion in Parliamentary circles is that Dr. Marx and Herr Stresemann created a most favourable impression in their speeches in the Reichstag. It is suggested that the Nationalists may refrain from voting against the Dawes plan, which would mean that the plan will pass.—A. and N.Z.

RATIFICATION DEMAND. FROM OCCUPIED AREAS. (Received 1.30 p.m.) BERLIN, August 23; The Reichstag on Monday will begin discussion of the London pact and if unable to agree will rise on Thursday. It is hinted that in that event the Chancellor will seek to delay signing pending a national plebiscite.

Towns and districts in the occupied territories have sent a message to the Reichstag demanding ratification of the pact in order to improve the economic situation.

As a result of the statements made in the Reichstag - by the members of the delegation to London a swing of opinion among the moderate section of the German National, Party is noticeable. There is now a prospect of the Dawes plan finding the necessary majority in the Reichstag this woe?: and of the London protocol being signed on Thursday.—Router.