GERMAN OPINION

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 81, 10 August 1923, Page 5

GERMAN OPINION

THE RUHR AND THE ALLIES. FEELING OF THE MASSES. "COTT STRAFE ENGLAND." Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 9.5 a.m.) London, August 8. . The Daily Express' Berlin correspondent says, Cuno has proposed financial measures, namely, an internal loan on a gold basis, certain new taxes, and what ho called the assistance to economic life. When he exhorted the people to work moro and save more, the communists shouted: "We work! You save!"

This outburst expresses the feeling of the masses that all the Government's measlures will only lead to further exploitation of the workers, while powerful magnates like Stinnes will be allowed to profiteer in billions of marks.

Germany would not entertain separate negotiations with France, and would not give up territory, or accept as a condition the cessation of passive resistance in the Ruhr. Germany refused to work under the bayonets of oppressors. The taking of the Ruhr under her own management by France was a brutal and spiteful measure. Reference to the Ruhr workers was greeted with .shouts by the Communists: "They're traitors." Britain's proposals for the solution of the reparations problem were unpleasant. The Government was prepared to fight the servants of the French capitalists with all its power. If they gave in to M. Poincare's policy, it Would mean that the provisions of the Versailles Treaty, already bad for Germany, would be more so.

The Daily Telegraph states that the cry of "Gott Strafe England" is again becoming popular in Germany. Public opinion has turned because the Germans believe they have been

let down by England. It wa,s> generally anticipated that England would assist against France's policy.

PREMIER APPEALS TO PEOPLE. LITTLE PROSPECT OF HELP. Press Association—Copyright, Ans tralian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 10.15 a.m.) Berlin, August 8. Br Cuno implored the people to have nothing to> do with the idea of civil war. The Government has determined to put down, with the strongest hand all civil disorder and rioting. He was prepared to resign tho moment the Reichstag ceased to have confidence in him. He concluded: "Let us have open discussion, and try to discover how the nation can be saved."

The London Morning Post's Berlin correspondent 'says a conference of party leaders decided that the Cuho Government must continue in office, especially as it Was determined to maintain passivo'resistance in the Ruhr.

Financial circles anticipate little advantage from the Government's measures, believing that all attempts to pat the finances on a sound basis are impossible as long as the French occupy the Ruhr.

PASSIVE RESISTANCE. PREMIUM FOR THE MINERS. Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 10.10 a.m.) Berlin, August 8. According to a message from Essen, the new wage agreement between the mine directors and the four minors' organisation in the Ruhr provides for payment for the* days on which miners commit acts of passive resistance; BRITISH CABINET MEETING. FRAMING REPLY TO FRANCE. Presß Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 9.45 a.m.) London, August 9. Mr Baldwin (Premier) bad a lengthy conference with Lord Cursson and other Ministers preliminary to the day's Cabinet meeting. The Westminster Gnaette state* that the delay in publishing the documents is due to the desi/o to include a Toply to France, on which Mr Baldwin and Lord Curzon are engaged. FRENCH PRESS OPINION. (Received 10.40 a.m.) Paris, August 9. Le Journal states l that Dr. Cuno has formally declared a new war on Franco. Peace at present is impossible between Berlin and Paris. The Echo de Paris- says the speech is a vehement diatribe against England. It is now evident that British intervention has failed. If it is definitely impossible to secure the col- , laboration of Britain, nobody will be'. astonished to. see France work by

other moans to obtain success, for tho positive plan of which the occupation of tho Ruhr is only a prelude. The Gfaulois said the speech at least will have the merit of drawing Britain and Franco closer, facilitar ting subsequent negotiations'. Lo Petit Parisien says the speech oonfirms absolutely the Franco-Bel-gian thesis that the Reich is unwilling to fulfil any obligations, and France and Belgium are only encouraged to persist in action. Eclair declared it is with the inhabitants of Rhineland, not with England, tha.t France ought to settlo the Rhine question. The idea of the Rhinohuid's indjependenco is making giant strides. The people of Rhineiund ar§ determined to break the yoke of Germany and live m amity with France. The question of tho security of France lies with an independent Rhineland, not with guarantees which would make France the' vassal of England.