The New York herald., 1921-03-14
THREAT TO CLOSE
PLANTS ON RHINE
Manufacturers Purpose to Shut
Down if Allies Erect Gus
toms Barrier.
ALARM AMONG WORK ERS
Possible Labor Trouble May
Require More Allied Troops
in Occupied Zone.
ALARM AMONG WORKERS

Special Cable 20 THE NEW YoRK HERALD.
Copyright. 1921. by THE New YosK HnRALp.
DUSSELDORF, March 13.-Manufac-
turers in the newly occupied zone pur-
pose TO close their factories IL the
Allies persist in their intention TO inn
pose a customs barrier in the Rhine
land and collect high percentage on
all expectations to allied countries. ac-
cording 10 information obtained to-day
by THE NEW York HERALD correspond
eat from reliable sources.
Already the rumor that some of the
biggest industrial plants are preparing
TO shut down is causing lively agita-
tion in labor circles. There is grow
ing possibility Of trouble with workers
which will require the despatching Of
further allied troops across the Rhine
and even the occupation of other in
dustrial centres such as Dortmund and
Essen, although the civic officials at
Ruhrort, Duisburg and Dusseldorf are
advising the population to keep calm
and let the situation find it's own solu-
tion.
II is reported that the chambers of
commerce throughout Wurtemberg
have issued general appeal to all
classes Of the population urging a boy
colt against English. French and Bel
gian goods until the Entente revokes
"the coercive penalties against the
-. .Iw1s~ 49, Dt.g..a
II is significant however. that despite
the threats Of a shutdown OF industries
the workers resumed the usual Sunday
shifts to-day. There il a growing ten
dency absolutely to ignore the military
measures The fact Is that few soldiers
are seen In the streets unless on sentry
duty. although the officers are allowed
the liberty OF visiting the wine rooms
and restaurants. which flourish a. be-
fore the war. the population generally
thronRing these places and spending
money as II nothing had happened
since 1914
The attitude Of the German Industrial
msRnates r. considered now as reveal
ing Gernany's game a. ain invitation 10
let the Allies enter and take whatever
they want In the way or compensation.
but the population generally show an
inclination to refuse 10 accede 10 any
demands.
THE Allies plan viii cause tho ruin
OF Germany commercially and indus.
t~lally and viii even prevent her from
aging n low percentage ~ tie repara-
tions fgtres demanded by the Allies.
said Dr. Petersen, prominent es a diree-
tor IN several big enterprises here anu
a vy,.,,,hrr ~ ttn rAt,...44o~f OH. r,Y.s, 80
Commerce. within month after the
establishment of the proposed regime
there VIII be no employment for Ger
man workmen throughout tbe region
German industry Is unable TO withstand
such paralyzing pressure"
Or. Petersen insists that tho trade Of
the Rhineland Is not with Tho Allies and
remainder Of Germany. Prussia and
Bavaria are our great markets" hc
said "Tho customs barrier would shut
ont the reception Of raw materials ana
raise the prices of manufactured good
to sueh IN aNtent thlt Il would te rsc-
.css 10 try longer to keep our Workers
Das,"
il Wt@ AFH iht" 'f NY
commerce officials tNut tac @saai miii
ar, eorstdafug blowing sut her lpt-
races Although prediction uHs aeef
lo r1fct se high as 90 p@
cont. 81 lire normal cspsci,., contracts
are being cancelled as the prices at-
ranged for many months aeo do not
allow for the allied levy
"The Allies are trying 70 kill the goose
that lays the golden eggs said another
official, unconsciously repeating the
theme or the propaganda which has been