REPUBLIC OF THE RHINELAND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17178, 23 October 1923, Page 11

REPUBLIC OF THE RHINELAND.

NEWS RECEIVED CALMLY IN BERLIN. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Router's Telegrams. BERLIN*. October 21. The proclamation of the Rhenish Republic at Aix-la-Chapelle was not taken very tragically in official quarters, here. It is regarded as purely a local outburst and not likely to vSpread to other parts of the occupied territory. It is reported that the armed Separatists carrying out the coup numbered some 2000.

STRICT NEUTRALITY BY BELGIUM. BRUSSELS, October 21. It is stated that the Government has instructed the Belgian military authorities to observe the strictest neutrality regarding the Separatist coup, interfering only in case of disorder and for the protection of life. The proclamation of the Rhineland Republic caused no surprise. It re mains to be seen whether the Rhinelanders sincerely wish to constitute the

desired barrier between Prussia. Belgium and France, or if their action has been dictated by a desire to escape obligations under the Treaty of Versailles.

FRANCE WAITING. PARIS, October 21. The French official attitude towards the coup is one of cautious reserve. It is not yet clear whether the merchant. Herr Decker, who is the head of the movement in Aix le-Chapelle is acting in accord with the principal Separatist leaders. The opinion here is that unity of view prevails among the Separatist leaders and that the movement may spread to the whole of the Rhineland in the present state of high tension. It is officially declared that the French will not intervene, unless required~~to protect the lives and propertv of Allied nationals or nationals working for the Allies.

GERMANY BREAKING UP. “ Times ’* Service. LONDON. October 21. The Paris correspondent of ITlie Times’’ says: “Germany’s dislocation having begun France now cannot escape responsibility for the maintenance of order in Rhineland and Ruhr. “The proclamation of a republic at Aix-J a-Chapel le is overshadowing the revolt of Bavaria against Berlin and j even the question of reparations has I *>ee« put into the background by i events, wherewith the diplomats can- | not keep pace. | It remains to be seen what the out- | come of the Rhineland movement will be. It is already being asked : What will be the result- if the Rhineland Republic is recognised by some of the occupying powers and not recognised bv Britain ? It is emphasised that the proclamation was made in the Belgian zone and at the same time it is pointed out that Belgium did not favour the Rhineland agitators. “ France desires to regard the movement as a spontaneous local demonstration. It certainly is not displeasing to many Frenchmen.” The Paris correspondent of the “ Morning Post” says that France is determined that Germany shall not be given the slightest ground for claiming that a new Alsace-Lorraine has been created on the western frontier. For that reason France is determined that any Rhineland movement must be due to the spontaneous wish of the inhabitants concerned.