MARCH ON MEMEL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16939, 13 January 1923, Page 11

MARCH ON MEMEL.

AN ATTEMPTED SIEGE. By Telerraph—Press Association—Copyright " The Times ” Service. (Received January 13, 9.5 ajn.) LONDON, January 12. The Riga correspondent of “ The Times ” states that several thousand Lithuanians, including disguised regular Lithuanian soldiers, are attempting a siege of Memel, which was ceded to the Allies by Germany, and as yet is unattached’to any country. A Novno message states that Memel’s native population formed a Supreme Council of Defence and demanded inclusion in Lithuania. The Allied Commissioner has issued a proclamation urging the citizens to maintain calm, and promising to resist the raiderß, who are three miles from Memel. French troops numbering 200, and police are entrenched Allied airships are also expected. The Lithuanian Premier, in message to the Minister at London, confirms the rising, and demands a union of Memel with Lithuania. He denies that Lithuanians are taking part. Berlin reports state that Simon Citia has been appointed temporary President of Memel. Lithuanian cavalry and infantry are engaged. They penetrated the neutral zone and occupied the village after a struggle with local military.