The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-05-11

Dr. Wirth, the centrist lender.
 finally succeeded in forming n CO.,
 aiition cabinet composed of cen-
 trtsts, majority socialists and dem
 ocrnts, which, confronted by grave
 necessity. speedily decided that nc-
 ceptance of the uItimatum was the
 only course.
 In making this announcement to
 the Richstng, the new chancellor
 asked for m immediate decision by
 that body, and in the voting which
 followed, the government was sus-
 tained.
 The allied ultimatum required a def mite reply, based on yes or mo" Dr. Wirth said. No conditional reply would be entertained, and the ultima tum was formulated to expire on the night of May 12
 The total sum which Germany is called upon to pay is 6,750. 000.0o0 pounds sterling; disarmament must be carried out by Germany in accordance with the provisions of the treaty, and the trial of war criminals must be put into effect. Numerous other important terms in which Germany has been in default, will be enforced
 WHAT NONCOMPLIANCE MEANS
 Noncompliance with the allied ulti- matum would have subjected Germany to the occupation by the allies of the Ruhr valley and whatever other mili- tary and naval measures were deemed advisable a
 The new. cabinet is generally re- garded as a makeshift, largly unrepre- sentative, but good enough to accept the entente Rultimatum, and thus avoid a French advance into the Ruhr
 While the cabinet obtained com fortable majority in the Reichstag, 1t has the undivided support of only the majority socialists and clerlcals. The members of the other parties it is de- clared have given it support as makeshift. and are not pledged to rive it parliamentary support.
 DIR. WRITES SPEECH
 In his speech in the Reichstaz to- day pr. Wirth said
 Our task in this grave hour is to oh tain the decision of the Reichstac with regard 10 the ultimatum of the allied Goyernments In the pro ;stc.ed detailed negotiations you have formed an opinion on the contents and significance of inc ultimatum. In view of the Termination ot the time limit must ask you to ex- press your opinion by an immediate de- cision There is no possibility for US other than acceptance or rejection The victors have so decided
 Acceptance means that we declare our readiness to bear in voluntary labor the heavy financial burdens demanded year by year, Refusal would however. mean surrendering the basis of our en- tire industrial activities and as conse- quence, dismemberment of our economic body already so greatly weakened, and the sha '-linr of 'nd-striai fife.
 ALLIES RESPONSIBLE
 The effects tnight be even more terri- ble for our political existence and our realm. For these reasons the govern mcnt accepts the ultimatum. We know that acceptance. by reason of the place Germany will occupy in the economy of the world will entail the gravest con sequences The responsibility for this falls on the allies.
 But there is one point concernins which there must be no obscurity It would be useless to say yes without the resolution to do orr utmost to meet th,i obligations impcee1 upon US By accep- Sance we believe Ne will remove the irr- n1'rent threats ce 0ccupation If the Ruhr. The fear cftep expressed that oc- equation will ta:e r'are in any case whether we sign or not s not supported py any passage in the utimatum
 There is no need for me to show why 'n taking the dec sion. we ought to turn our eyes to Upper Slesa. Tn that re- spect we have firm confidence in the re- suits of the plebiscte.
 The treaty, which casts a heavy bur den upon us. entails for the govern ment sacred duties as the British premier himself expressly acknowledged recently.
 .Ladies and gentlemen, the new gov ernment. after reflection. advises you n all confidence to accept the ultimatum'