THE NEW GERMANY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11762, 24 February 1919, Page 5

THE NEW GERMANY.

FAMINE AND BOLSHEVISM. INCREASED MORTALITY ANO DECLINING BIRTHS. UNEMPLOYMENT AND HUNGER. trie Telegraph.—Copyright. United Press Association —By Ele c London, February 22. The Supreme Council for the supply of relief has published on interesting report, compiled fiom tbe observations of a number of British officers who have been investigating conditions in Germany. They visited Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Hanover, Eeipzio, Dresden, Mngdberg and Cassel. Labour unrest is diminishing owing to the firm attitude of Herr Noske, Defence Minister, whoso position has been much strengthened against the Spartacists recently. Unemployment in Berlin is increasing by 5000 daily. The total unemployed there are 200,000; in Hamburg 72,000; Munich 33,000 Liepzig 22,000. This unemployment is due to the demobilisation of the army and munition-workers, and the inability of peace industries to start owing to lack cf raw material. Unemployment is the most dangerous element in the present situation. The disappearance of unemployment and hunger would dispose of any chance of Bolshevism oblainiang any foot-hold in Germany. Throughout Germany, except the coalfields, industries are stagnant, completely shutting down owing|to lack of coal while over a million tons of cial, in Westphalia is waiting at tbe pitmouth for transport facilities. Throughout Germany railway transport is crippled, owing to the enormous quantities of rolling stock lost [since November, 1918, while passenger traffic has been reduced to -21 per cent et normal. The shortage of staple foodstuffs is compelling the population to live on rations insufficient to nourish the body. Mothers and children are particularly affected by malnutrition. There is increased mortality and diminished birth-rate. The shortage has caused new diseases. It is believed foodstuffs will be exhausted as follows: Breadstaffs, April 1919; potatoes, May 1919; fat, March^Slst.; The meat ration can be continued in definitely if all milch cows and breeding stock are slaughtered. la certain areas, it is estimated that exhaustion will occur earlier. Moreover, given normal weather, the coming harvest is expected to yield only half the average pre-war crop. The visiting officers express the opinion that the need for re victualling Germany is urgent. The countrygia living on its capital as regards food [supplies. Either famine or Bolshevism, or both, will ensue before the next harvest if outside help is not forthcoming. There can be no immediate revival of Germany’s military power. Thirty tbonsand tons of bacon and 5000 ton of condensed milk have been sold to Germany to date by the British Government.

CERMAN WORKERS ULTIMANew York, February 31. The United Press correspondent at Weimar reports that the workers’ council at Essen sent an ultimatum to the German Cabinet that unless industries were immediately socialised and the minimum wage made higher than the present maximum, and all workers’ councils recognised at once, the Government would be overthrown.