OCCUPATION OF ESSEN

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

OCCUPATION OF ESSEN

French Ride in Proudly but Coldly.

“ Funeral of a People’s Pride.”

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. "The Times” Service. (Received January 13, 10.10 a.m.) BERLIN, January 12. Great crowds, with faces set in the effort to maintain their self-control, watched the French enter Essen. Occasional cries of fury and pain were heard. The houses were shuttered, shop blinds drawn and the population sullen and resentful, as if looked at the column of dark blue uniformed and helmeted cyclists, parti coloured armoured cars, and cavalry. From sinister cars, in which no man was seen, protruded the muzzles of machine-guns, as if saying to the hostile-eyed crowd, “ Remember we are here.” The silence with which the inwardly raging Westphalian workers regarded them seemed to answer, “We will remember to-day, never fear.” Despite the menace of machine-guns, occasional angry murmurs from the crowd broke the general melancholy silence. Many took no trouble to hide their hatred of the armed men whose triumphal ride this was. The French looked straight in front, as if ceremonially parading, not sparing a glance for the fury-blazing eyes of the ranked and angry men. The French behaved with absolute correctness. There was no hectoring and no jesting. They rode as conquerors, the officers especially, though not provocatively suggesting pride and military pomp. The whole impression given was that of being present at the funeral of a people’s pride. At the post office an officer and troopers dismounted. The troopers barred the entrance and exit, imprisoning all within. Infantry appeared and cleared the pavement. The agitated Germans protested, but were swept aside coldly. An officer went in formally to take over the administration, and within five minutes Essen was curt off from postal, telegraphic and telephonic communication with the outer world. It was soon restored, and the Germans temporarily imprisoned were released. General Rampon, commanding the occupying forces, subsequently demanded and held an interview with the burgomaster, who was named Luther, and informed him that he did not wish to place unnecessary burdens upon the people, and when the various controls were instituted in connection with the canals, railways and post office the troops would be withdrawn. Herr Luther replied that he could only take the action forced upon him, as he was unable to offer any resistance. He protested against the French action in using military force against a disarmed and defenceless population, as it was totally illegal. General Rampon replied that he would note the protest. He saluted and withdrew.

OCCUPATION CIVIL, NOT MILITARY.

“ FOCH’S HAND IN ALL THIS.” By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received January 13, 9.40 a.m.) PARIS, January 12. “ The Journal ” says: Marshal 'Foch’s hand is seen in al’l this. The occupation is civil rather than military, and it depends on the Germans whether France exercises pressure or not.” General Dcgoutte says that he intends to inaugurate a new kind of military occupation, namely, invisible occupation. Judging by the absence of any military demonstration in the streets, this lias succeeded. C**» Berlin correspondent t(he ‘ Petit Parisien ” states that notwithstanding the external calm, the occupation of Essen is undoubtedly fiercely resented. ESSEN EXCITED. (Reoeived January IS, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, January 12. The messages from Essen are reassuring. Although the population is tery excited no disorders are reported. SOVIET AND POLAND. (Received January 13, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, January 12. A message from Riga states that the Soviet is concentrating additional troops near the Polisli frontier .where extensive movements are occurring. Tlio Poles view the demonstrations as a threat that should Poland assist France Russia will l intervene. ACTION OF RUHR BANKS. (Received January 13. 10.10 a.m.) LONDON. January 12. The Paris correspondent of the

‘Daily Mail” states that the Ruhr banks have followed the example of the coal companies and have rushed off their deposits.

STRIKE IN RUHR.

RESTRICTION OF COAL OUTPUT. (Received January 13, 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, January 12. i iic Ruhr railwaymen will join in the strike on Monday. Nearly all the employers are supporting the workers. PARIS, January 12. The Mavence correspondent of the “ Echo de Paris ” states that Herr Thvssen, th© great industrialist, says that the coal syndicate’s action was taken with Cabinet’s approval. The Berlin correspondent of the “ Petit Parisien ” states that Cabinet has ordered the coal syndicate at Hamburg to cease delivery of coal on account of the reparations. A member of the syndicate says that a notable decrease in coal production, and a dearth oi fuel in Germany- must be expected Large importations of English coal are piobable. Hie Ammonia Syndicate, following (he example of the coal sydicate, has transferred from Bochum to Hamburg. PRESS AND REICHSTAG. PARIS, January 12. (Received January 13, 9.20 a.m.) It is reported that the German Government has decided not to admit Tiench and Belgian journalists tt> the sittings of the Reichstag. TRANSPORT FOR U.S. TROOPS. (Received January 13. 11.55 a.m.) NEW YORK, January 12. The transport St Mihiel has sailed. It lias not been revealed at what German port she will embark American troops.