GERMAN DISORDER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10210, 21 February 1919, Page 5

GERMAN DISORDER

A PRECARIOUS SITUATION GREAT ACTIVITY OF SPARTACUSANS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Keuter's TelegramsLONDON, February 19. Berlin advices state that the situation in Germany grows daily more precarious owing to the great activity of the 'Spartacusans. A general strike has now broken out in the Ruhr region. The strikers at Essen declare that not a single coal will be given to the present Government, and the strike will be continued until the Ruhr mining industry has been socialised and the Government troops recalled. The Spartacusans are directing the entire movement. A telegram from Hanover states that 30,000 loyal troops have been brought in to suppress the strike. ALARMING REPORT FROM WEIMAR. HUGE. SHOP STRIKE IN BERLIN. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received February 20, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 19. Alarming reports from Weimar state that the Post Office there is occupied by the military, and troops are held in readiness. The strike of employees in tho large stores in Berlin is assuming.large proportions. Over 60,000 have struck, and it is expected that Berlin will be without shops shortly. The Spartacusans have suppressed the newspapers in the Ruhr region. Armed Spartacusans from Essen, Dusseldorf, and other places are pouring into Muelheim, which is apparently the centre^ of the movement. Later reports says the 'Government, in discussing the situation on the 19th states that the mines are in the hands of the Communists. "THEFT OF GERMAN COLONIES." PROTESTS' THROUGHOUT GEEMANY. Auat/raJiaii and N.Z. Cable Association. AMSTERDAM, February 18. Meetings continue throughout Germany protesting against the theft of the German colonies. Regarding the retention of prisoners, Erzberger sent a long communication to Foch refusing to place Germany's mercantile marine at the disposal of the Entente, unless agreements were reached assuring Germany's food supply and the safeguarding of the, German crews.