Proclamation of Rhineland republic

GERMANY Decode. Acting British High Commissioner (Coblenz) October 21st 1923 D. 7.20 p.m. October 21st 1923. R. 9.45 p.m. October 21st 1923. No.405. (R). Urgent. Rhineland Republic was proclaimed in Aix la Chapelle at 2 a.m. this morning by Separatist party "Freirheinland". Late last night local separatists were reinforced by Separatists from Eifel and pro- ceeded in the small hours of this morning to state police headquarters in Aix la Chapelle. Police offered no resistance, saying that they were too weak in number to make opposition. Separatists then pro- ceeded to take over government offices, town hall, post office, and telegraph offices over which build- ings Rhineland flag is now flying. Up to present there have not been disturbances and town is reported quiet. Order is being maintained by mixed patrols of Separatists, and state police, who are apparently obeying orders of Separatists. Proclamationsposted in the town are signed by Dockers, a local Separatist of small repute, and Buchart a Separatist from Duisburg. These persons have signified their intention of sending by motor their supporters to Munchen-Gladbach Duisburg, Bonn, Treves and Coblenz to proclaim republic in these towns, but no action has been at taken. Situation in ###ied territory apart from Aix la Chapelle is I am informed that a number of separatists approached yesterday French authorities in Mainz with a request for arms and met with a refusal. 9 168 POLITICAL C18051 normal.