FRENCH IN RUHR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18316, 5 February 1923, Page 7

FRENCH IN RUHR

ISSUE UNCERTAIN.

FAILURE OF THE POLICY.

GERMANY'S CHANGED VIEW.

DESIRE TO NEGOTIATE.

FIRST STEP FEARED. By Telegraph— Association— Copvriuht. (Received 11.15 p.m.) A. and N.Z. LONDON. Feb. 4. There is no development regarding the Ruhr. Conflicting reports from French and German sources continue to Teach London. ■ Some declare that France realises the failure of her Ruhr policy, and desires to negotiate with Germany, but, cannot make the first overtures. Others assert that Germany is abandoning her obstructive tactics, including the strikes, realising that obstruction penalises the Ruhr inhabitants more th'/.n the French. , « 7 PARIS. Feb. 3. A. and Is./.. , . ~ The Matin Bays there are definite indications that Germany's attitude » changing although no definite ad in the direction of conciliation may be expected for several weeks. Franco now possesses very valuable securities. It is not for her fo take the initiative; Germany must make satisfactory proposals. The Matin's Berlin correspondent says the posit ion of French subjects is becoming almost unbearable. One cannot speak French or display a French newspaper without risking insults, even blows. The Government is helpless before public excitement The Echo de Paris says that Germany | hitherto has been too occupied to commence negotiations with France. . and also hesitates to take the first step. It pourparlers be opened it is stated that German? only proposes to repeat the offer submitted to the Paris Conference, which Franco considers totally inadequate.

A telegram' from Berlin states that the Chancellor, Herr Curie, interviewed, said Germany will continue a policy of passive resistance in the Ruhr, but will not be misled into active opposition, as she lacks arms. The sharper French action becomes the farther the French will be led from aecnring reparations.