ADVANCE OF THE ALLIES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 15466, 10 March 1921, Page 3

ADVANCE OF THE ALLIES.

GERMANS SILENTLY WATCHING TREND OF EVENTS. RED PAPER INVOKES WRATH AGAINST ALLIES. NEW PROPOSALS EXPECTED. ißlec Tel. Copyright—United Piess Assn.) LONDON, March 8. The populations of the three German towns that have been occupied are calm and alert, silently watching the trend of events. Two strikingly different proclamations were displayed in Dusseldorf and Duisburg. One was issued from the Wilhelmgtrasse on red paper, signed “Ebert.” It is highly inflammatory, and pours out invectives and evokes tlie wrath of Germany against, the Allies over the alleged unreasonable reparations. The other is signed by the burgomaster of" the towns, warning the populace to be calm. There was no demonstration and no resistance. Women and children were indoors on the arrival of tlie troops. Later the occupation was completed without incident. An unexpectedly early start gave tlie troops full command of the streets and central point#’ before the inhabitants were astir. The Rhine flotillas were ready, but were not used. A strono- belief exists in London that Germany 'will soon produce proposals leading to a settlement. This may, however, await the Silesian plebiscite. Von Simons energetically spread this idea before his departure, forecasting that negotiations would he re-opened before many days. “Perhaps the Conference will not prove barren,” was a typical sentence he scattered amongst interviewers. Dr. Dresschler was similarly active and full of thanks for British hospitality, declaring that Germany wishes to submit new proposals to calm opinion in England. It appears tlial the German Cabinet is preparing a pronosnl for submission to-day, but Mr. Lloyd George had promised M. Briand that the penalties would operate if “the thirty year thirty per cent.” proposal were not accepted, otherwise M. Briand’si Cabinet would have fallen and France' would not have respected the. scheme. LONDON, March 9. Although it is generally understood that (lie German Ambassadors in London and Paris have been recalled merely for consultative purposes, the Daily News Berlin correspondent’ states that it is a sign of German indignation. It may not amount to a rupture of diplomatic relations, but the German Government considers ambassadorial relations inconsistent with the new situation, and subordinate officials will perform the requisite functions. Tho correspondent indicates that there is an undercurrent of German jubilation due to tho belief that Germany has scored, and adds: “The arrogance of tho Ludendorff’s, Stillnesses and Tiroil/.es waxes while the Moderates and the-Socialists’ influence is waning.” Chancellor Fehrenbach. in a speech in the Reichstag, said the Allies’ sane tions were merely illegal acts of violence. The Allies~\Vere onlv creating further embarrassments for themselves. -A. and N.Z.C.A. AMERICAN TROOPS TO REMAIN. WASHINGTON, March 8. Although President Harding promised during his campaign the immediate withdrawal of American troops in, the occupied regions, Mr. Weeks has announced that they will remain, the Government not considering the present an opportune time for their withdrawal. It is felt that tho Allies might misconstrue'the withdrawal in view of the Allied advance into Germany. It is also ’bought that the Knox resolution,.which has received immediate attention', will be held in abeyance pending the outcome of the advance.—A. and N.Z.C.A. THE RHINE CUSTOMS. LEVY ON GERMAN GOODS. REPORTS TO ALLIED' CONFERENCE. (Received March 10. 8.50 a.m.) FARTS, March 9. Count Doumer has returned from London. He is of tho opinion that the Allied Rhine Customs will bo one of the most efficacious forms of coercion. The Petit Parisien’s Berlin correspondent says -there are indications that Germany will seek to resume negotiations on a new basis. Experts are considering the Finance Minister’s new proposals. It is expected Von Simons will offer his resignation which will he refused. Tho Berlin banks, in view ,of the economic penalties, arc considering the transfer of deposits from Allied countries to neutrals. Many manufacturers have suspended exports to Western Europe. LONDON, March 9. A Bill has been drafted to deal with Dio levy on imported German goods. Tt will be examined by French and Belgian experts with a view to similar measures in their respective countries. The Conference lias been notified that the Rhine towns were occupied without incident. Members compared notes regarding the second sanction relative to the action to he taken regarding the recovery of a proportion of the payments on German goods. The Allied Rhine Commission reported regarding the thjrd sanction. It was decided to hold Customs receipts on behalf of the the Reparations Commission. —A. and N.Z.C.A. * MIGHT AND RIGHT.. AN AMUSING PROCLAMATION. (Received March 10, 10.50 a.m.) BERLIN, March 8. Ebert’s and Fehrenbach’sjiroclamation protests against “the unprecedented, unfulfillable demands which our opponents in the world .war sought to impose on ourselves, our children, and grandchildren. Honor and self-respect forbid our signing a contract which the work of a generation would not suffice to execute.” ' Tlie proclamation declares that tho further invasion of German territory is a breach of the Treaty of Versailles, and continues: “We are defenceless and unable to oppose force with force, but can cry out so that all still recognising the voice of righteousness may hear. Right is being downtrodden by might.” _ . Tho proclamation exhorts the German people to meet "foreign violence with a. ‘dignified, calm, lofty front, not to be provoked into thoughtless acts, hut to endure and to trust the Government, which will not rest till foreign might yields to right.—Reuter. CANCELLATION OF QRDffRS. (Received March 10, 2.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 9. The Exchange, Berlin, states that about 350 reputed British merchants are cancelling orders placed with German firms.—A. and N.Z.C.A.