IN THE RUHR.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 February 1923, Page 7

IN THE RUHR.

THE GERMAN ATTITUDE MORE OFFICIALS ARRESTED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Paris, Feb. 2. There are definite indications that Germany’s attitude is changing, although no definite act in the direction of conciliation iliay be expected for several weeks. France now possesses the most valuable securities .and it is not for her to take the initiative; Germany must make satisfactory proposals. The French authorities at Dusseldorf have issued a stern warning to the managers of four mines against delivering coal and have threatened expulsion in the event of non-compliance. Two managers complied; the others refused. The telephone director and two postal officials in Dusseldorf and the telegraph director in Duisberg have been arrested for refusing to obey orders, Germany fears the French will adopt profit-sharing in the Ruhr, inducing the workers to make an agreement with France and Belgium. The Sarre miners have decided on a general strike to begin on Monday. They demand the continuance of the increased wages on the ground that the cost of living is so high. A detonator similar to those used in mines was found in a truck load of Sarre coal at Dijon. The Berlin correspondent of Le Matin say the position of French subjects is becoming almost unbearable. No one can speak French or display a French newspaper without risking insult and even blows. The Government is helpless before the public excitement. The Echo de Paris tsays ..Germany has hitherto been too occupied to commence negotiations. France also hesitates to take the first step. If pourparlers are opened it is stated Germany only proposes to repeat the offer submitted to the Paris Conference, which France considers totally inadequate. Berlin, Feb. 2. The President of the Reichstag, whom the Government sent to the Ruhr to study the attitude of the workers, pessimistically says the workers are beginning to tire of strikes, which hitherto have produced only trouble, and complaints are beginning to circulate. A notice posted at Essen read: “Railway workers; you are starving: officials be on guard.” The Reichstag authorised the issue of 3500 milliards of marl>s worth of Treasury bonds and a loan of 500 milliards of marks for the purpose of meeting the special expenses arising from the French occupation of the Ruhr. Washington, Feb. 2. The State Department announces the withdrawal of Major-General Allen, American observer, from the InterAllied Rhineland Commission. THE REAL STRUGGLE. FEW COAL TRAINS HELD UP. London, Feb. 2. The Daily Chronicle’s Dusseldorf correspondent states that the real struggle in the Ruhr has now begtin. The setting up of a frontier between the Ruhr and unoccupied Germany was hurriedly completed Inst night. Only a few coal trains are thus far held up. The Customs officers have been expelled. The Morning Post’s Dusseldorf correspondent states that the railway service will be resumed immediately as the French have promised to withdraw troops from the station, thus ending the appalling chaos. Berlin, Feb. 2. Dr. Cuno, interviewed, said Germany will continue a policy of passive resistance in the Ruhr, but will not be misled into active opposition as she lacks arms. The sharper French action becomes the farther the ifrench will be led from securing reparations.