FEARS OF MISCHIEF.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 November 1923, Page 5

FEARS OF MISCHIEF.

RETURN OF CROWN PRINCE. WAR PLANS ALLEGED. ANXIETY IN FRANCE. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Nov. 12. The Paris correspondent of The Times says that France is now definitely urging the Allies without delay to take action regarding the establishment of military control in Germany and the placing of the ex-Crown Prince beyond the possibility of making mischief. Hitherto the Crown Prince has not been taken seriously in France, but opinion is now changing. The statement that he intends to reside quietly on his Silesian estates is regarded as a mere pretence.

The Berlin correspondent of The Times says the excuse that he returned to Germany as a private individual cannot be accepted. The sternest views are taken of the Berlin Government’s responsibility for what is happening in Germany. France believes that Germany has made up her mind to refuse to allow the Allies to ascertain the extent of existing armaments and is secretly reorganising the army and preparing for a war of revenge. The position is considered so dangerous that it is expected the Conference of Ambassadors will instantly refer the matter to the respective Governments. Criticism of M. Poincaire is sharpening. He is advised to show more firmness and foresight. His position has without doubt been shaken by recent events.

Herr Hitler is reported as rallying his supporters outside the town. His dramatic return is a possibility, says the Munich correspondent of The Times. It is feared the disorders of the past few days are merely the prelude to more serious conflicts. There are day-long demonstrations against Herr von Kahr, whose resignation is expected. The general impression is that he and Herr von Lossow encouraged, and even helped, Friday’s events. DISORDER STILL REIGNS.

The troops and police find difficulty in maintaining order. Theatres, cinemas and restaurants are compelled to close at 8 o’clock, after which no one is allowed in the streets without permits. The public are forbidden in many public squares, which are guarded by barbed wire and machine guns. Crowds refusing to disperse at 8 o'clock .were charged by soldiers with fixed bayonets. Five were carried off on stretchers and at least eight other casualties were reported. The Reichswehr and police are concentrating at the main station in expectation of an advance of the Hitler forces.

The Cologne correspondent of The Times says that unemployment is steadily increasing in the Ruhr. Even Krupps, despite the agreement recently concluded with the French, are starting extensive dismissals. The men are reported to be very bitter against the employers, alleging that they are acting in unnecessary haste. A collision between unemployed miners and the police at Gelsenkirchen resulted in four of the former being killed. At Dinslaken crowds stormed the reparation coal awaiting transport. Belgian cavalry finally intervened, but not before a large quantity of coal had been carried off.

NATIONALIST SET-BACK. STRESEMANN STILL FIRM. London, Nov. 12. The Berlin correspondent of The Times says there is no doubt the Nationalists are disappointed with the Munish putsch, which it is believed will compromise the position of the Stresemann Government. For some reason the Nationalists appear convinced that they have the support, if not of the British Government, at least of the British people. A representative of the party has gone to England to report on British public opinion. The haste with which the hotheads in Munich launched the putsch has given the Nationalists a bad set-back. Their attitude in regard to Herr Stresemann is still that he should resign on patriotic grounds, but during his term of office the Chancellor has shown himself singularly unresponsive or interested in pressure of this sort. He is quite prepared to resign, if it can be shown that the Nationalists can evolve a really stronger Government. Hitherto they have only produced a prospective dictator. Herr Wiedfeldt, a former director of Krupps and at present Ambassador at Washington. He has now upset the apple cart by cabling from America deprecating the use of hie name in this connection. THE BAVARIAN RISING. HERR HITLER ARRESTED. Berlin, Nov. 12. Herr Hitler was arrested in South Bavaria without resistance. Herr von Kahr has ordered the dissolution of the Communist Party and forbidden Social Democrat newspapers to appear. The Reichswehr is thoroughly disbanding the putsch organisation. Herr Hitler is now in a peasant’s cottage at Rosenheim and is ndt wounded. Ludendorff has been allowed to choose his own residence, but is strictly watched.

CHANCELLOR’S CUNNING. MAKING USE OF WILHELM. London, Nov. 12. The diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that the following is the gist of a remarkable report on the German crisis, which a neutral diploma* in Berlin sent to his Government: — Herr Stresemann is apparently endowed with extraordinary cunning and, knowing that both the Bavarian and Prussian extremists were equally intent on overthrowing his Government, conceived the idea of consolidating his own position by providing his opponents with an apple of discord in the shape of the ex-Crown Prince’s return. Herr Ebert, the President, and the Socialists were staggered by Herr Stresemann’s plan,„ but yielded to the argument that the only safety for the Republic consisted in splitting the Monarchists. William in Silesia would neutralise Rupprecht in Bavaria, and vice versa for, apart from the ancient feud of the rival dynasties, they have a personal feud born on the battlefields.

When Herr Stresemann began to fear a Bavarian attack on Berlin, headed by von Kahr, who was the instrument of Ruppecht, he speeded up Wilhelm’s return. When he heard of the Ludendorff-Hitler move he apprised Rupprecht and the latter upbraided von Kahr and von Lossow, demanding allegiance to his claims. That is why they crushed the Ludendorff-Hitler movement, which they had in the first instance supported, thereby playing Herr Streeemann’s game. But Herr Stresemann’s troubles have not finished. The release of Ludendorff is not reassuring and the return of the Crown

Prince may re-act as a boomerang upon its over subtle promoter. DUTCH GOVERNMENT’S PART. PRINCE’S MOVEMENTS UNQUESTIONED. London, Nov. 12. The Hague correspondent of The Times says that the Dutch Government apparently knew all about the dash of the exCrown Prince from Wierengen, despite the assurances given out that he was not likely to leave Holland in thV near future. The correspondent points out that all attempts to extract information from the Dutch Government failed, yet it must have known the minutest details in connection with the ex-Crown Prince’s olans for departure. The press is unanimous in saying that the Government could not have acted otherwise than it did. The opinion is general that Holland is glad to get rid of an undesirable alien. Wierengen should now return to its ancient atmosphere of peace and quietness. NEW CURRENCY PLAN. Received Nov. 13. 10.25 p.m Berlin. Nov. 12. Von Seekt has issued a proclamation stating that in order to prevent a monetary catastrophe every community or industry may issue its own stable currency. Herr Schacht, a director of the Darmstaedter Bank, has been appointed currency director.