New-York tribune., 1920-03-14
American Patrol Along
Rhine Numbers $4,000
Combatant Troops, Part
of Occupation Army
Revolt Tragedy to
Country, U. S. View
Military Strength Which
May Be Mobilized by
Berlin Put at 325,OOO

WASHINGTON, March 13.-Officials
Of the State Department said to-day
that, in their opinion, the revolt in Ger
many was nothing less than tragedy
for that country. They declared the
uprising, if controlled entirely by the
militarist party, undoubtedly would re-
suit in France and Great Britain be-
coming more and more insistent upon
the carrying out of the terms Of the
armistice under the penalty Of active
military operations.
The certainty that American troops
patrolling the Rhine would be used
should the revolutionists refuse to
carry out the provisions Of the armis-
tice was not questioned in army circles
Secretary of War Baker declined to
make known what position this govern
ment may take should military steps be
required, but it was pointed out that
the American command, under Major
General Henry 7. Allen, is part of the
Allied armies of occupation and as
such may be directed to penetrate
Germany by Marshal Foch, the supreme
Allied military commander.
The American forces on the Rhine
total more than 10000 combatant
troops, with 5000 service of supply
personnel The complete force in Eu-
sope was officially said at the War De-
partment to-day to include ia officers
end 1856 enlisted men. In this num-
Der however, ere the graves regstra-
ton service and scattered detachments,
which still remain in France and Bel
{. IN in charge Of the work of clearing
up American contracts.
The French force in German terri
tory is slightly greater than 10000,
while the British troops total 100000.
The latest figures available here on
the military strength of Germany show
that total of 325,oO0 troops may be
quickly modified for service. This in
cludes the Reichswehr, known as the
real army of the Empire, totaling $780,
900 men, and the ;,lcherheitz Polizer,
or state constabulary forces, number
ing $4,000. In addition there are
'o,o00 odds and ends, including some
small detachments of historic German
divisions, such as the Iron Division.
lhe home guards are estimated from
100000 to 100000, but hardly more
than 100000 would be gathered to-
sether for real military service. There
also arc some nondescript troops, made
up largely of detachments that are
Nt y 1
lIative work and sVme few companies
mat have not been totally demobilized.
Earlier Dispatches Confirmed
The first news of the revolt received
oy the State Department was contained
IN two official dispatches from Paris
ana The Hague. based on press dis
a message was received by the depart
ment from Berlin, evidently from
american Commissioner Ellis l.. Dresel,
confirming the earlier dispatches.
me following paraphrase of the dis
patch from Berlin was issued by the
department:
"A dispatch received from Berlin
tonight by the Department of State
announced that a revolution had brok-
en out there and that Kapp, who is
Sald to be leader of the reactionary
vien1lent. is to-day virtually dictator,
with Cabinet in which he is Chan
War.
The revolution began Friday Full
Information of the exact situation is
ac' yet available. but it is apparent
mat the revolution so far has been
snaaHccompanied by bloodshed
.. Noske has left Berlin. According
90 information available, other minis
YRS IN the Ebert cabinet also have
sonc from the city. Mueller is said
70 be IN the custody of the revolutions
;s's. The troops that have been serv-
;;ng under Noske are said to have
aoined the revolutionists. The indie
PENDENT Socialists have declared a gen
eral strike"
Troops Farley With Cabinet
REGARDING the Paris dispatch the de-
P't11ments statement read:
me dispatch from Paris said that.
s'cordlng to information received
Trough press sources regarding the
;;'sVolut!on, Noske, the German Min
;s'er OF War under the Ebert regime,
"ao issued a proclamation that infor-
nsa ,aa'ion had reached him warning him
- monarchist plot to seize the naval
lpcsces ps and overturn the government. |
representatives of two marine brigades
uusartered at Doeberitz, in the sub
th u,os OF Berlin, entered Berlin and
,,;1 mere was parley with the Cabinet at |
a'ahight. The parley resulted in no
's'ee"'ent, and as result the marine |
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