GERMAN DISSENSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18334, 26 February 1923, Page 7

GERMAN DISSENSION.

RUHR. WORKERS AND BERLIN NEGOTIATIONS FAVOURED. THE RIGHTS OF FRANCE. By Tekaraph—- Press Asrociation— A. and N.Z. PARIS. Feb. 23. Workers in the Ruhr are opposing the Governments policy of resistance. The Bochum workers have organised-a militia to combat the Nationalists. The % Elberfeld Socialists passed a mjso. lution in favour of France's right to reparations, and urging negotiations.

BRITAIN'S INACTION.

GERMAN INTERPRETATION. I FEAR OF OFFENDING FRANCE Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. . (Reed. 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 23. | The attitude of British public opinion I toward the French occupation of tho j Ruhr is thus interpreted by Herr Breits- [ cheid, a prominent Socialist, who visited England with a view to securing mediation between Germany and France. " The British public," he says, " would like to check France, but. does not sec its way, because France is still Britain's ally. A British offer of mediation, if refused in Paris, would be certain to create ill-feeling and perhaps conflict. This Britain wants to avoid at all costs, for antipathy against a new war is stronger in Britain than elsewhere. The readiness of Britain to help to untangle the European skein would bo greater could Germany convince, through tangible guarantees, that in a future reparation scheme Germany would really fulfill th© obligations she undertook.

ANNEXATION CHARGES.

M. POINCARE'S REBUTTAL. A. and N.Z. PARIS. Feb. 23. M. Poincare, Prime Minister of France, in a speech at the American Club, said that to attribute to France motives of annexation was a foolish and stupid lie. France was tired of having seized nothing but shadows, and would not let go until the debt was met.

FRANCE AND ITALY.

ECONOMIC PACT PENDING. A. and N.Z. PARIS. Feb. 23.

The Matin quotes the Rome newspaper, Messagero, as stating that an economic pact is pending between France and Italy, under which France will furnish coal and iron, and Italy 100,000 mine workers.