GERMANY: Rhineland Republic

The Rhineland Separatist movement, which aims at setting up an independent Rhineland Republic, lost considerable ground last week. It was said that the movement is doomed once and for all.

The first blow struck against it was dealt by Britain in a note to France, wherein was stated that His Britannic Majesty’s Government could not countenance an attempt to dismember Germany and would not recognize the Rhineland Republic. Separatist activities in the British occupational zone around Cologne were repressed and several arrests were made.

The next event of importance occurred when Separatists recaptured Aix-la-Chapelle, from which they had been driven a fortnight ago. After doing considerable damage to art treasures in the town they were suddenly confronted with a volte face from the Belgian authorities, who, having formerly supported them, ordered them out of the town to the intense relief of the civil population. Herr Doktor Matthes, leader of the Separatists, declared that he would come back to Aix with his troops, “Belgium or no Belgium!”

The movement is still being supported by the French, but only passively. Recognition of the “Republic” by the French Government was withheld.

An interesting summary of the careers of the Cologne officials of the Separatist “Government” was given by the Rhineland correspondent of the London Times: “Chief of Police-Joseph Heimann, assistant waiter, three times sentenced, including a sentence of five years’ imprisonment for highway robbery. Public Security-Johann Nowack, shoemaker, four times convicted, and sentenced to ten years’ penal servitude for manslaughter. Religion and Education-Alex Henderkott, keeper of disorderly houses, 22 convictions. Health-Heinrich Groll, manservant, twelve convictions. Traffic-Johann Paffenholz, messenger, 23 convictions. Art-Ludwig Schulz, trumpeter, 13 convictions. Guardian of the Poor-Ferdinand Graf, painter and decorator, six convictions. Simon, workman, 15 convictions. Military Service-Robert Junker, baker, three convictions. Five officials without portfolio are named with 30 convictions among them.”