THE RUHR: Still Dilly-Dallying

The German Government made overtures to the French and Belgian Governments for a conference to settle the means of bringing about a restoration of normal economic conditions in the Ruhr. M. Poincare, as Premier of France and spokesman for Belgium, rebuffed the German request by stating that all the Germans had to do was to cease passive resistance (which was reported to be still in existence) and to discuss with General Degoutte, Generalissimo of the Franco-Belgian occupational forces, any local difficulties.

Meanwhile the French conversed with Herr Hugo Stinnes (” Master of Coke”) and other industrialists concerning resumption of deliveries from the Ruhr. These discussions had the effect of recognizing Herr Stinnes as ” Master of Germany ” to the complete exclusion of the German Government. No agreement of note was reached with the German industrialists and the discussions were broken off. An agreement was reached, however, with the German Miners’ Union and the men were reported returning to work. France declared that all evidences of military occupation would be removed as soon as normal economic conditions obtained in the Ruhr valley.