RUHR OCCUPATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18761, 15 January 1923, Page 5

RUHR OCCUPATION

ENTRY INTO ESSEN. A GRAPHIC ACCOUNT. SULLEN AND RESENTFUL CROWDS. Proa* Association— By Telegraph—Copyright BERLIN, January 12. Great crowds, with their faces set in an effort to maintain self-control, watched the trench enter Eeseu. Occasional cries of fury and pain were heard. The houses were shuttered and shop blinds drawn. The population was sullen and resentful as it looked at the column of dark-blue uniformed and helmeted cyclists, armoured cars, and cavalry. From sinister cars, in which no man was seen, protruded the muzzles of machine guns, as if saying to the crowd “Remember, we are here.” The silence with which the inwardly raging Westphalian workers regarded them seemed to answer “We will remember to-day. Never fear.’ Despite the menace of the machine guns occasionally angry murmurs from the crowd broke the general melancholy silence. Many took no trouble to hide their hatred for the armed men whose triumphal ride this was. The French looked straight in front as if ceremoniously parading, not sparing a glance for the fury of the blazing eyes of the ranked and angry men. They behaved with absolute correctness. There was no hectoring and no jesting, but they rode as conquerors, the officers especially, though not provocatively, or suggesting pride and military pomp. The whole impression given was of being present at the funeral of the people’s pride. At the Post Office the officer and troopers dismounted. The latter barred the entrance and exit, imprisoning all within. Tho infantry appeared and cleared the pavement. The agitated Germans protested, but they were swept aside coldly. An officer went in formally to take over the administration, and within five minutes Essen was cut off from postal, telegraphic, and telephonic communication with the outer world. It was soon restored, and the Germans who had been temporarily imprisoned were released. General Rampon, commanding the occupying forces, subsequently demanded and held an interview with the burgomaster, named Luther. The general informed him that ho did not wish to place unnecessary burdens upon the people, and that when the various controls were instituted in connection with the canals, railways, and post office the troops would be withdrawn. Herr Luther replied that he could only

take the action forced upon him, as he was unable to offer resistance. He protested against the French action in using military force against a disarmed and defenceless population. He said it was totally illegal. General Rampon replied that he would note the protest. He then saluted and withdrew.—Tho Times. PARIS, January 12. Notwithstanding the external cairn, the occupation of Essen is undoubtedly fiercely resented. General Degoutte savs that he intends to inaugurate a new kind of military oc-cupation—-namely, invisible occupation. Judging by the absence of military demonstrations in the streets this has succeeded. Le Journal says: Marshal Foch’s hand is seen in all this occupation, which is civil rather than military, and it depends on the Germans whether France exercises pressure or not.—A. and N.Z. Cable. AMERICAN WITHDRAWAL. TRANSPORT SAILS FOR EUROPE. NEW YORK. January 12. The transport St. Mihiel has sailed. It

has not been revealed at what German port she will embark the American troops. —A. and JI.Z. Cable. COMMUNISTS ARRESTED. SERIOUS CHARGES AGAINST CACHIN'. PARIS, January 13. (Received Jan. 14, at 5.5 p.m.) Further Communist members of the Committee of action against Imperialism and War arrived and were charged with participating in German agitations in the Ruhr against the occupation. Tho Government proposes to charge Deputy Cachin with treason, intercourse with foreign hostile bodies, and plotting against the security of the State.—A. and N.Z. Cable. THE COAL INDUSTRY. WITHDRAWAL APPROVED BY CABINET. PARIS, January 12. The Petit Parisien’s Berlin correspondent states that the Cabinet has ordered

tho coal syndicate at Hamburg to cease delivery of coal, on account of reparations. A member of the syndicate says that a notable decrease in coal production and a dearth of fuel in Germany must be expected. Large importations of English coal are probable. The Mayence correspondent of the Echo de Paris states that Herr Thyssen, the great industrialist, says: The coal syndicate’s action was taken with Cabinet’s approval —A. and N.Z. Cable. DELIVERIES RESUMED. PARIS, January 13. (Received Jan. 15, at 0.45 a.m.) According to Essen reports Germany has agreed to resume coal deliveries under tentative agreements which will be controlled by a Franco-German Commission.— Reuter.

EFFECT ON BRITISH TRADE LONDON, January 12. British coal owners, anticipating increased orders from the Continent in con sequence of the Ruhr dislocation, are considering a proposal that the miners should revert to the eight-hour day in order to meet the new demand.—A. and N.Z. Cable. PRICES AND WAGES RAISED. BERLIN, January 12. The price of German coal is being increased immediately by 50 per cent., and miners’ wages by about 68 per cent. — Reuter.

BANKS WITHDRAW DEPOSITS. LONDON, January 12. The Daily Mail’s Paris correspondent states that the Ruhr hanks have followed the example of the coal companies, and have rushed off their deposits.—The Times. The ammonia syndicate, following the example of the coal syndicate, has transferred its headquarters from Bochum to Hamburg. The Ruhr railwayman will ioin iu a strike on Monday. Nearly all the employers are supporting the workers. —A. and N.Z. Cable. RETALIATION. PARIS. January 12. It is reported that the Herman Government has derided not to admit French and Bel man journalists to the sittings of the Reichstag.—A. and N.Z. Cable.