THE RUHR OCCUPATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18823, 13 July 1923, Page 5

THE RUHR OCCUPATION

BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE FRENCH PRESS’ HOSTILE CRITICISM By Telegraph.—Press /Association. —Copyright. PARIS, July 11. The Petit Parisien regrets that the British Cabinet, though desiring to guard the Anglo-French entente, is apparently planning independent diplomatic action with Germany, Britain thus prolonging and aggravating the situation, which is encouraging German resistance in the Ruhr and theli failure to pay reparations. Britain will commit a greater mistake if, just when the effects of pressure are being felt, she attempts to destroy them by clumsy intervention,. The Eclair says that Britain may threaten us, but it is difficult to carry out threats. It is odious that Britain should want to ill-treat her ally France, when ever since the Armistice she has not ceased to spare Germany.

BEN TILLET’S VIEWS WAR PREDICTED. LONDON, July 11. Mr Ben Tillet, addressing the Trans porters’ Conference, and basing his remarks on lhe visit of the Trade Union delegates to the Ruhr, said he was pro French in disposition, but regarded the French occupation of the Ruhr as madness, and the outcome of the dilemma of statesmanship too cowardly to face industrial and economic facts and. the international situation. While the situation arose out of the Versailles Treaty, it was really promoted by sordid capitalists and war profiteers. The Trade Union delegates who visited the Ruhr found the menace greater than anticipated, and predicted war, as cabled. Our statesmen were now trying to burk the issue. We had got one of the strongest possible men as Premier, but unless backed by the working classes to resist war, he would be dragged by diplomacy. If we were to be saved from war we must save both Germany and France. Nothing but war or the threat of war will take France out of Germany. Workers must realise their responsibility. They must call on the French and German workers to join In preventing war.