GERMAN REVOLUTION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 12013, 16 March 1920, Page 5

GERMAN REVOLUTION.

restoration of THE MONARCHY -United Press Association—By Elec‘s trie Telegraph—Copytight. Loudon, March 13. Although according to one report oorsons responsible for the Berlin coup d’etat deny the revolution aims at the re-estabishment of Monarchy, there is no reason to doubt that it is the ultimate goal. ALLIED LEADERS NOT SURPRISED. London, March 13. French newspapers state that the Allied leaders have been aware for some time that such a coup was the daring consummation of Germans, pan-Germans and Monarchists, who only awaited signature .to Peace before putting their plans into execution. The only public intimation / that serious events were brewing was Noske’s announcement tef the effect that a plot had been discovered to undermine the loyalty of the troops and to overthrow the Government. Noske, as commander-in-chief in Berlin, ordered the arrest of four ringleaders, and held troops in readiness should. a rising occur in Berlin. NEW CHANCELLOR INTERVIEWED. London, March 13. Dr Kapp, who is the new Chancellor, interviewed, said the change in the Government of Germany did not mean . restoration of the Monarchy. He was glad at the overthrow of Ebert, which was inevitable, and had been accomplished bloodlessly. Dr Kapp said his regime would stand for,strong republicanism,' but that the Government would ruthlessly suppress strikes and sabotage. BERLIN UNDISTURBED. London, March 18. Up to midday on Saturday, apart from the presence of troops at Government buildings, there was little to indicate the success of the coup d’etat. There were no collisions, no violence. People were apparently going about business as usual, and street traffic was not affected. There was a strong military guard stationed at the Hotel Adler. General Luttwitz, who signed certain proclamations jointly with Dr Kapp and Pabst, was later appointed War Minister, and issued his own proclamation, asserting that the new Government was not monarchists, and would restore order and execute the terms of the Versailles Treaty. SOCIAL DEMOCRATS’ MANIFESTO. London, March 13. The Social Democrats, the majority of the ousted Government, have no doubt what the coup portends. They issued a manifesto when they learned that the Revolutionaries had begun their march, stating that the Baltic mercenaries—who feared the consequences of disbandment, which was recently ordered—desired to put Reactionaries in office. The manifesto continues; “We did not make revolution in order to restore a bloody government of mercenaries. We refuse td enter into covenants with the Baltic criminals,” and concluded: “We shall fight by all means for the preservation of the Republic. There is only one way to prevent Wilhelm’s return. We must paralyse economic life by a general strike. Therefore, proletarians, unite.” Ebert and the {Social Democrat Minister signed the manifesto. It is noteworthy that the names of the more moderate t action of the Government are missi ,jg. It is reported that they remain in Berlin.

NOSKE’S MISTAKE. London, March 13. Noske had been long prepared to meet mch an eventuality as to-day’s. He maintained a Republican corps d’elite, consisting of 10,000 of the most efficient non-coms of the German army, strongly equipped with machine guns and forming an extremely mobile force ready to proceed to any quarter of the city at a moment’s, notice. Barbed wire bar-ricades-were kept at strategic points ready to put into position, but it appears that Noske also the loyalty of the garrison. Visitors recently returned from Berlin declare that these troops, * or even the corps <Telite, must'have proved tinreliable. ' U.S. GOVERNMENT CONCERNED. Washington, March 14 News of the overthrow of the Ebert Government - caused considerable concern in Governmental circles, and the feeling prevails that the situation may compel the Allies to undertake forcible measures in order to compel Germany to carry out the terms of the Treaty. One leading authority expresses the view that Ludendorff is the master mind behind the situation. It is understood France and Britain will consult the United States before taking any action, but to what extent the United States regards itself involved in measures that the Allies may take in order to meet the new conditions is a matter that only President Wilson can settio. GERMANY’S PLAN REVEALED. , London, March 13. A well informed correspondent of the Dally Telegraph declares that Germany’s persistent delays in disarming the forces, and the disturbances in the Middle East are all part of Gormany ? s system to . drain the Allies' military resources, causing a reduction of the armies on the Rhine rmi paving the way to the restoration of die Monarchy, bnt the Evening Standard says the Allies’ military advisers have been aware of the trend of events in Germany, and recently augmented the forces on the Rhine. THE RINGLEADERS. London, March 13. The ringleaders of the German * coup d’ecat included Dr Kapp, one

of the founders, and one of the most fanatical members of the Fatherland Party, and Captain Pabst, a staff officer of the Guards Cavalry Division and prominent in the anppression of the Sparticist rising in 1918, who was also concerned in the murder, of Liebkneoh,t and • Rosa Luxemburg Both those men disappeared, and Noske believed the conspiracy had been scotched. General Luttwitz, commanding the First Keiohstwehr Division, upon whom the Government was largely dependent, was suspected of complicity in the plot, but the only step taken was merely to relieve him of his post.

A BLOODLESS VICTORY

London, Match I*3-

Noske states that he had evidence a coup was intended to be attempted on the 6th, hut the leaders disagreed and postponed it. Even the public of Berlin were unaware of the plot before midnight on Friday. At that hour a number of units quartered in Doberitz disclosed their intentions and began to move towards Berlin. Erhard’s naval brigade seems to have taken the initiative. The second naval brigade then joined, also the bulk of the garrison, including a large number of the famous Iron Division, whoso activities in the Baltic provinces in 1919 caused the Allies to deliver an ultimatum for their withdrawal.', It was well known that they were entirely under the influence of Junker barons, who w'ould probably use them it restoration of the Monarchy were attempted. Ebert summoned a meeting of the Government, which sent two high military officers to meet the Revolutionaries and warn them. The latter made demands which tbe Government considered and finally rejected The Revolutionaries resumed their march on the city and occupied the Tiergarten railway station, in the centre of the city, also the telegraph offices. The bulk of the Keicbswehr and a portion of the Civic Guards, sided with the revolutionaries, and the Government seeing that resistance was nseless, and in order to avoid bloodsned, quitted the capital, announcing that they retained their Ministerial offices. . Ebert and his wife left at 5 o’clock In the morning. Dr Kapp issued a proclamation declaring that tho National Assembly had discharged its mandate by decreeing the constitution and concluding peace. It was the new regime’s intention to nold 'fresh elections and return to constitutional methods of government at the earliest possible date. TRIAL OF PAN-GERMANS. Loudon, Maxell 13, Noske, on Friday evening, was fully acquainted with the intentions of the Doberitz garrison. PanGerman newspapers were apparently in the secret, which explains why they attempted to reassure the public by declaring that the socalled plot was a mare's nest. Pan-Garmans recently conducted active propaganda and had- demanded Hindeubnrg as President. Republicans regarded it as part of a plan to restore the Monarchy. Pan-Germans triumphantly acclaimed the verdict in the Helfferich trial and cheered him in the •streets, showering bouquets upon him. This demonstration was obviously of a monarchist nature, as Helfferich was notoriously one of Wilhelm’s trusted Ministers and strongly monarchist. Another sypmtom was the repetition on Friday of insults against Allied officers, notably in Bremen, where a motor car was stoned and windows smashed. According to reliaole information, Von Kuhlmann has lately been visiting tbe ex-Kaiser regularly and secretly at Amerongen despite the vigilance of Dutch guards. the;allibs’ poligy. London, March 18. There is nothing from Berlin to indicate disorder, hut censorship is imposed on foreign messages. The Observer says Lndendorff and the chief reactionaries did not participate in the revolution, which was carried out by inferior personages. Either the revolt was premature, or the chief reactionaries arranged it as an experiment to see how the Allies and the German people would act. It is advisable that the Allies should not act for a few days, but allow the German nation to crush the revolt by a general strike. Kaiserisrr. can only establish itself in Germany at the cost of civil war and industrial chaos. If the Gorman people support the Monarchists the Allies must employ the sternest military, naval and economic measures to suppress the revolt. GOVERNMENT’! MANIFESTO. Loßflttv, March 18. Dr Kipp's Rjamifesto states : Tho overthrow of the Government is not a reactionary, but a progressive measure of patriotic Germans belonging to all parties for the re-establish-ment of law and order, discipline and honest government.” Dr Kapp declared that the former Government was reactionary. It suppressed newspapers and arrested individuals for their political opinions, also burdened the people with grievous taxation. The new Government was bent on preserving internal and external peace, and did not intend to revive the methods of the Government now happily defunct and obsolete. We recognise it is of vital interest to foreign countries that Germany must not have a Government which could and might endanger the peace of Europe.” Latest reports received at Paris state that three members of the late Government wore arrested, out the others fled to Dresden. The, new Government is meeting with no opposition in Berlin, but some disorder has occurred in the provinces. Many were injured during a conflict between troops and workmen in Frankfort. FRANCE’S DETERMINATION." Paris, March 18. M. Millerand states that the French Government will not interfere with Germany until events are clearer. The new Government has officially expressed its intention to carry out all reasonable clauses of tho Peace Treaty. The French Government'wili see that all clauses are carried out. NEGOTIATING WITH LABOUR. Ijondon, March 14. Messages from Berlin to-day state

that Dr Kapp will act in conjunction with tjie Labour Party for tho maintenance of order. The Government is endeavouring to persuade Labour to take office, suggesting the name of the well known leader Koberstein. Success of the negotiations is doubtful owing to General Lnttwitz’s attitude. Tho leader of the Independent Socialists conditionally agreed' to take office in the new Government. i FIGHTING AND STRIKES Lbndon, March 14. Fighting is reported at Frankfort, Dusseldqrff, the Rhine coalfields and elsewhere, between adherents of the old and new regimes. Strikes have broken out in many places. The movement is expected to extend, except in essential industries, Berlin, March 14. . Sanguinary encounters between troops and workers occurred in Frankfort. Many persons were injured and one was killed. SCENES IN BERLIN. Berlin, March 14. Loyal military are patrolling in the Government quarters with guns, machine guns and armoured cars. Barbed wire barricades have been erected. The population is quiet. Herr Bauer issued a proclamation in Dresden urging the nation to support constitutional Government. A general strike has been proclaimed in Nurenberg, Magdeburg, Breslau, and in the Rhine and Westphalian mining district. The black, red and white flag has been hoisted in Bremen and Munich, I - AN AMAZING DAY. i - London, March x 4. Mr Renwiok, the Daily Chronicle’s representative *n Berlin, cabling at 9 o’clock on Saturday night, says: “Without striking a blow in its own defence, the Socialist-De«noorafcic-Oatholic regime has fallen, and Berlin is completely in tho hands of Kapp's Government. The city wears a normal aspect save for some barbed wire in the main streets and soldiers, , artillery and machine guns at commanding points in the centre of the city. It has been an amazing day and an extraordinary revolution. Restaurants are as full and gay as ever, and theatres are filled, though dancing halls are closed. The revolution was carefully prepared at Doberitz, a suburb twelve miles west of WilhOlmstrasse, where a marine division under Captain Ehrhardt lay. Ebert’s first communique was so reassuring that Berlin went to bed on Friday night believing the Government had the situation well in hand, Noske’s troopsmere seen marching in the chief streets during night, and armoured cars, field kitchens and artillery were much in evidence. I now hear that the Doberitz plans were betrayed, but the leaders of the revolution decided to precipitate a crisis. When the ultimatum was received it .was evident the Government had not a strong enough force to put up a Might, so they ordered their troops to withdraw and make no resistance, and the Doberitz force marched into the square behind the Brandenburg Gate. Thus far the revolutionaries’ plana have gone without a hitch. Big crowds are parading the streets, and are being allowed to satisfy their curiosity to the full. MANIFESTO BY EBERT’S GOVERNMENT. Berlin, March 14, Ebert’s Government has issued a manifesto from Dresden, denouncing the insurrection as the work of Baltic adventurers, and predicting an earlv collapse. The manifesto says the new regime’s decrees are illegal and will not be recognised. The Governments of Baden, Bavaria and Wurtemburg have issued proclamations declaring that they are opposed to the unconstitutional machinations of reactionaries and that they recognise only the Imperial Government and ihe National Assembly, in which their peoples concur. Me; nwhile a general strike, has been \ oclaimed in Frankfort and Hambi eg, where great processions of workers are parading the streets. The workers in the Ruhr basin are opposed to a general strike. FOCH CONFERS WITH BRITISH AND AMERICAN LEADERS. Coblenz, March 14. Foch, Sir Henry Wilson, and tho American commander, are holding a conference at Mayence, tho French Rhiae armies’ headquarters. ' MILITARY SUPPORT NEW GOVERNMENT. London, March 14. The military throughout Germany have mostly elected to support the Government. COMBINATION AGAINST KAPP. Berlin, March 14. The Democratic party, and the Majority Socialists and Independent Socialists have combined against Kapp. Noske has assumed command of the troops in Saxony. BELGIUM WATCHING THE FRONTIER. Brussels, March 14. The Premier states that in view of events in Berlin the Government has ! taken measures for completely safeguarding tho frontiers. FURTHER DETAILS. London, March 15. Berlin Conservatives and National Liberals announce that they are willing to support Dr Kapp if he appoints experts as Ministers and issues election writs within 60 days, Ebert refuses to negotiate with Kapp. Paris, March 16. Marcel Hutin learns that the French Foreign Minister is fully informed regarding events in Germany, and has gone to London to confer with Mr Lloyd George, The Matin states that the Allies may safely support -the Government at Dresden, which there is little doubt represents tne great majority of the German people. Possibly Lndendorff, and perhaps the Hohenzollerns, may attempt to exploit the situation, but those knowing Germany well, and arriving from Berlin yesterday, declare that such an

eveut>iH' unlikely, as the country dreads nothing so much as embarking on a new adventure. ■ The Petit Parisian says it is clear that none of the Allies can recognise a regime which is the outcome of tumult, and they probably will defer action until after the forthcoming German elections. London, March 15. \

A telegram from Copenhagen states that the streets of Berlin were deserted on Sunday, - except for military patrols. All electric power stations, tramways and underground railways have stopped, and the water supply is out off. Dr Kapp has ordered the arrest of Ebert and Bauer, and. will accuse them of high treason. No newsapers are being published until midday op Monday. News is heavily censored by Trebitsch Lincoln whom Kapp has installed as censor of foreign telegrams. NEW CABINET PROGRAMME London, March 14. The new Cabinet’s programme professes to consolidate old Germany and return to settled conditions, also to avoid extreme nationalities. Dr Kapp offers to appoint a Coalition Government, including Majority Socialists, but insists that nonpartisan experts must be the chiefs of certain Ministries. SOUTHERN GERMANY DISAPPROVES. Received March 16, 9 a.m. London, March 14 Amsterdam advices state that up to this—Sunday morning—the Rhine Westphalia area was quiet, but the whole region disapproves of the Berlin coup d’etat. Fresh antimonarchist demonstrations are reported in Southern Germany. The Bavarian and Wurtemburg Government’s manifesto states that they will remain on duty and will not accept orders from Kapp’s Government. BLOODY COLLISION IN BERLIN There was a bloody collision in Berlin the new Government’s troops and workmen. Several were wounded and one was killed NEW GOVERNMENT’S DOINGS. The new Cabinet meets on dayVon Haniel is the new Foreign Minister, and Jagow Minister of the Interior. Kapp has ordered the arrest of Erzberger. KAPP’S POSITION WEAKENED. The fact that the German Democratic Party joined the Majority and Independent Socialists with a view of defending the Republic has considerably weakened Kapp’s position. The Saxon troops, of whom Noske has assumed chief command, are regarded as absolutely trustworthy. London, March 15 Latest official telegrams indicate that the militarist movement is not spreading in Germany to the same degree as the general strike, but only brief cables have been received from Lord Kilmarnock, British representative in Berlin. Mr Lloyd George did not judge it necessary to stay in town on Sunday, though he kept In touch with Downing Street. * THE CENSORSHIP A number of messages to English newspapers, including the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Express, were cancelled on presentation at the Telegraph Office in Berlin, and those received must be read in the light of the fact that they have been censored by Lincoln. But for traitors among the revolutionaries, who communicated the .facts to Noakp on Friday afternoon, Ebert’s Government would have known nothing until the revolution had been accomplished. The newspapers in Berlin at midday on Saturday, when the success of the new regime was assured, issued vast editions, but there was no speech-making to the crowds, which was a feature of the revolution of November 1918. Kapp then forbade publication of the majority of the Socialist or Democratic newspapers and prohibited any newspapers being published before Monday evening. This accounts fjr the present scarcity of news as to the events df Sunday. A MILITARIST’S EXCUSE. Berlin, March 15 Luttwitz, the new Minister for War, interviewed, said: Germany plans to fight Bolshevism to the death. In order to do this more than 100,000 troops will be required, and with the Allied permission the offensive will begin in May. Luttwitz farther stated that he has 700,000 troops at his disposal in Berlin, and will use machine guns against the strikers if necessary. LATE GOVERNMENT’S DIFFICULTI BS. London, March 15 General Marker, commanding at Dresden, declared for the new regime, so Ebert, Noske and Bauer went on to Stuttgart, where they are now organising a general strike. THE NEW KAISER It is rumoured that revolutionaries desire the Kaiser’s second son, Bitel, to succeed to the throne, ■ Amsterdam telegrams state that as a result of the counter revolution, the ex-Kaiser’s guard at Amerongen has been considerably reinforced by mounted police under a cavalry captain. It is reported that Mie Crown Prince at Weiringen is keenly interested, now that his intimate friend, Von Zobeltitz, w-'jo spent the first days in exile with the Prince, has arrived from Berlin. BRITISH CPINICN London, March 15 English newspapers are generally of opinion that it is too early; to judge the significance of the Berlin events, or to decide on necessary intervention. The Daily Chronicle demands that the Kaiser shall immediately be removed further from the frontier. Major-General Maurice says the chief reason for the successful coup d’etat is that the majority of Germans are in a state of dull despair and do not care what happens. LUDENDORFF WIREPULLER. There is little rtonbt that Lndendorff is pulling the strings. Kapp was put in to keep the Presidential chair warm for Hindenburg.

'RHINE COMMANDERS CONFER. The commanders of the *Rhine armies Shad > conference with

Marshal Foch immediately and the troops have already moved forward from the rear cantonments. FIGHTING IN FRANKFORT. Berlin, March 15 Collisions occurred between the police and workmen at Frankfort. Fifteen were killed and a hundred wounded. The police wore forced to leave the town as the crowd were in possession of the depot where arms .were stored. All the troops in Southern Germany have joined the new regime. USELESS YANKEES. Washington, March 15 Although the American troops are under Foch’s control, no movement will be made into Germany until President Wilson orders it.