Evening star., 1923-09-09
BERLIN AND PARIS
NEGOTIATE ON RUHR
Stresemann Proposals, Given
Orally, Go Long Way to e.
feet Settlement.
BY JOSEPH sHAPLEN.

BY Wireless TO The star and New York
Tribune. Copyright. 1923.
BERLIN. September s.-Germany
and France have actually opened ne
gotiations for settlement of the Ruhr
conflict. These negotiations, while
still in the preliminary stage. are the
result of proposals submitted to
France by the Stressemann govern
!, ment as a tentative basis for discus
sion of a settlement.
The propoals. 1t is learned, have
been submitted orally. They indicate
Chancellor 4Stresssnann's readiness
to go a very long way in order to
make a settlement possible. Accord
ing to the same high, source 1t ID
learned. the proposals have been we'll
received at the Quai D'Orsay. AS soon
as they have been definitely accepted
by France as a basis for discussion.
the proposals will be transmitted to
Brussels.
Would Include Allies.
Belief now is voiced that the open
ing Of Official negotiations between
the two countries cannot be delayed
much longer. At the same time. it is
emphasized that Germany's efforts to
reach a preliminary understanding
with France are directed toward an
ultimate agreement between Germany
and all the allies.
Allegedly official announcements given
currency to the effect that Ger
many,s determination to continue
passive resistance need not be taken
any too seriously. On the other hand
1t can positively be said that the
Ruhr population is positively yearn-
ing for a settlement.
Workers Ask Peace.
At an extraordinary meeting OF
the executive council of the German
Federation of Trade Unions las
night, it was unanimously indicated
that the Ruhr population is eager
for the quickest possible under
standing with France. which will
| bring an end to the enormously
difficult conditions under which the
Ruhr population now lives.
A similar stand is being taken BY
the National Railway Mems Fedora
ton, where, aside from the emphasis
placed on the general WEAKNESS ui
the population, I have been assured
that the occupation authorities now
have the operation of the railways
! we'll in hand, and that, for technical
reasons, the time has passed wher
the railmen can do much through
passive resistance, even where the
will to is present. The rail workers
however, it was said. are not quite
ready to resume work en- masse-not
until the military regime is removed
or at least modified.
Stress Need Of Accord.
In political circles today 1t was de-
clared that the governments dictatorial
measures for Improvement of the finan-
cial situation are doomed to futility un-
less the Ruhr conflict is brought to a
speedy close. Everywhere the need for
a decisive governmental step toward
bringing about a settlement is stressed.
The only condition Germany cannot ac-
cept, 1t was declared, is any sort of en-
croachment on her sovereignty or the
integrity of her territory.
All forces are actively behind the gov
ernment, and the press, the labor organs
and such agencies are all engaged to-
day in preparing the public mind for
abandonment Of the passive resistance
and acceptance of settlement terms
which are bound to place heavy burdens
OH the, country. At all times, however
it is emphasized that unconditional
capitulation is out of the question.