THE NEW STATES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17727, 11 September 1919, Page 5

THE NEW STATES

THE RECENT RIOTS. FROM THE GERMAN VIEWPOINT. POLES ALTOGETHER TO BLAME. BERLIN, September 9. A German official, who has completed an investigation in Upper Silesia, states that the Poles, after their success at Posen, attempted to win Upper Silesia for Poland. The German authorities realised the danger and imprisoned or expelled the leaders. The Germans also suppressed the Polish-German Communist movement, which began after tho armistice. By spring the ferment among the population necessitated serious measures, and martial law was proclaimed. The actual rising broke out on August 19. The Polish Government, although sympathising when the movement became national, did not support it with money or arms. The population supported the rioters, who fired on tho troops from hiding places. The troops became angry, and it is _ possible that some atrocities were committed. Excesses were 'inevitable, in view of the densely populated districts* and the well armed population. The troops were subjected to great provocation. Tho military authorities claimed that they were justified in shooting people who were caught plundering or who were discovered armed. They admit that they shot 39 so taken under martial law. Ihe troops, whoso strength was augmented on August 21, restored order. The report describes as gross exaggeration many of the reported brutalities. The German Government claims that it is responsible for tho maintenance of order m Upper Silesia, which is still part of the German Empire.—A. and N Z Cable. ' ' ALLIED MISSION'S RECOMMENDATION. PROMPT ALLIED OCCUPATION. LONDON, September 9. (Received Sept. 10, at 10.15 p.m.) The Allied mission in Upper Silesia has telegraphed to Paris urging Allied occupation before the 20th inst.—A. and N Z Cable. THE OTHER SEDE. INQUHJING INTO GERMAN ATROCITIES.

WARSAW, September 9. The Poles have decided to issuo a Black Book on the atrocities in Upper Silesia. A staff of workers is engaged in examining 1500 cases. It is expected, that this number will bo doubled before the book is completed. The Poles are accepting only first-hand information. The situation is now outwardly calm. The Germans, by means of various threats and the enforcement of General Horsing's order that idle workmen shall be liable to arrest, have succeeded in getting a majority of the coal mines working. Some of the Polish miners are deliberately re stneting the output, which is now at the rate of 10,000,000 tons a year, compared with 40,000,000 tons before the war—A and N.Z. Cable. HUNGARIAN MINISTRY. M. FRIEDRICH'S POPULARITY. , VIENNA, September 10. (Received Sept. 11, at 1 a.m ) M. Heinrich failed to form a Hungarian Ministry. An overwhelming majority of the population outside Budapest is in favour of M. Friedrich, who is determined to remain in power if the Entent? Permit imtil after the elections on the 28th inst.—A. and N.Z. Cable