HIGH TREASON TRIAL

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 224, 9 June 1923, Page 7

HIGH TREASON TRIAL

REMARKABLE EVIDENCE \ IMPLICATING LEADING FRENCHMEN MOTIVES BEHIND THE CHARGES Major Mahr gave remarkable evidence at the Munich trial, declaring that several leading Frenchmen were involved in the plot. There is much speculation as to tho motive for tho trial, one reason given being a desire to cause trouble among the Allies by tho disclosure of the French policy.

BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT. (Rec. Juno 8, 9.10 p.m.) '* ’ Berlin, June 7.

Remarkable evidence was given by Major Mahr at the resumed trial m Munich of Professor Fuchs and others for alleged conspiracy to separate Bavaria from the Reich. Major Mahr said he met the French Colonel Richart, who explained to him that France was the strongest lowsr ui the world, and could do what soo liked France wished for peace and quietness for the next fifty therefore she needed the Rhine frontier. They discussed the plot lor twi hours. Colonel Richart said tho rising must take place quickly. Only M. .1 oncare, M. Millerand, General Buat, M Lenail, and himself on the French s ee were in the secret. Outwardly I rance would be obliged to adopt a hostile attitude, but nevertheless the conspirators would receive all the help rice wanted. Colonel Itichart said th© Ruhr army had instructions to support the rising. He added that action in the Ruhr would come opportunely for France, as otherwise a reduction would hive been necessary. The plan was that Bavaria would be joined to Austria, though Vienna would be given to the Czecho-Slovaks. The Tyrol, V urtemberg, Baden, Hesse, Hanover, jrd Bremen would form a new Rhine Corfederation, and the whole west bank of the Rhine would then become Fiench

There naturally is much speculation as to the motive for the trial, which is so compromising to many of the Government’s chief supporters.' One reason given is a. desire to cause trouble among the Allies by the disclosure of tho French policy. It is significant that Berlin will give only the most meagre reports of the trial, which is continu-ing.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.