Mayence, March 8.
The French and Belgian troops occupied Duisberg at noon to-day. The Rhine flotilla has occupied Ruhrort.
General Degoutte has issued a proclamation to the inhabitants of Duesseldorf, Duisburg and Ruhrort, declaring that the Allies are compelled to occupy these towns as guarantees, since the German Government does not intend to fulfill its treaty obligations. The occupation, it states, is in no way hostile to the population, and no obstacle will be placed in the way of the economic life of the region. The Allied authorities are ready to help to improve the situation of the workers, and particularly to ensure a food supply. They intend to make a regime of liberty and order prevail and thus to develop prosperity.—Reuter.
Washington, March 8.
The State Department announces that the American army of occupation along the Rhine front will not ce-operate with the Allies' advance-guard in the occupation of other German towns.—U. S. Navy Radio through Reuter.
A Prussian on Principles of Right.
Berlin, March 8.
In the course of a speech delivered to a full house in the Reichstag, and which was interspersed with cheers, the German Chancellor, Herr Fehrenbach, described the penalties to be imposed on Germany as an act of violence.
"The Allied conditions are to be applied by force," he stated, "therefore they have nothing to do with the principles of right."
Herr Fehrenbach declared that Germany, including the parts about to be struck by the Allies' measures, was united in its determination to endure. Like Dr. von, Simons, he was willing to leave the verdict to history which "will have something to say not only in regard to the guilt for the war but also in regard to the dictates of Versailles."—Reuter.
German Delegates Leave London.
London, March 8.
The German delegates left for Berlin to-day. Crowds gathered before the Savoy Hotel and Victoria Station to witness their departure, but no demonstrations occurred.
In conversation with Reuter's representative, Dr. von Simons remarked: "We hope to return soon. Never say die."
The German Ambassador in London is leaving for Berlin tonight, in response to a summons from Berlin, to explain the situation.
The "Daily News" Berlin correspondent states that the departure for Berlin of Dr. von Sthamer, the German Ambassador in London, and also that of the Ambassador in Paris and the Minister in Brussels, is in the nature of a recall, owing to the German indignation at the Allied decision in regard to the occupation of further German territory, and does not mean a rupture of relations. The Chief Secretaries will undertake the Ambassadors" duties during their absence.—Reuter.
Our Charming Pro-Germans, Tu contrast with the unanimity of the British press, including the Liberal section of it, in ridiculing Dr. von Simons' first offer, it is worthy of note that the '"Manchester Guardian," the '"Westminster Gazette" and the "Star" to-day echo the strong language used by the "Daily News" this morning in denouncing the " Allies' decision to refuse to give Germany a breathing space, as they say that capitulation to France's policy' of revenge" is opposed to the British national interests' because involves possibilities of - Allied friction.
The sanctions. these papers assert, are calculated to defeat the industrial recovery of Germany. which Mr. Lloyd George has hitherto maintained was essential to peace and the restoration of trade.
All, however, declare that the tactless and inept speeches of Dr. von Simons, who is in the grip of the Nationalists, contributed to a general exhibition of bankrupt statesmanship.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.