FRANCE HAS LITTLE FAITH IN THEM

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 113, 13 May 1921, Page 7

FRANCE HAS LITTLE FAITH IN THEM

6ENERAL MISTRUST EXISTS

THE DISARMAMENT QUESTION.

(UNHID PKISS ASSOCIATION.—COFIRItKT.)

(ABSTIIAIMX ■ MIW ZIALAND CAILI ASSOCIATION.) PARIS, 11th May. ' The news that Germany had accepted the Allies' ultimatum was'received coolly, for little faith is placed in Germany's promises. There aro no special possibilities about Dt. Wirfch's Cabinet, and a general mistrust of Germany's intentions exists. Germany has given her signature so many times that French opinion is thoroughly sceptical.

With characteristic promptitude the Premier (M. Briand), Marshal Foch, General Weynand, and other Ministers held a conference with the President (M. Willerand) to consider the steps to he taken to see that Germany carries out the disarmament which the Allies notified on 29th January. French troops are concentrated in the occupied districts, ready „ to enter Ruhr, and will remain there until Germany has paid the amounts mentioned in the ultimatum. \ The newspapers urge the Allies to maintain the penalty measures pending the appearance of proofs of German sincerity. The Echo de Paris discloses that a -resolution entered in the books of the Supreme Council provides that if

p.t «jny time in the future Germany defaults the occupation of the Ruhr district will be carried out. . ••

[The Allied Conference at which the reparations payments wero fixed ended in Paris on 29th January. The Allies .'ngned a protocol, requesting Germany to complete her legislation for disarming the Reichswehr bofore 15th March. As the Roichswher comprised too many officers and men, Germany was requested Ui put the matter in order by 15th April. As the reduction of the army to 100,000 had not been accompanied by a corresponding surrender of material, the Allies notified that this must be rectified by 28th February. Concerning Germany's organisations for self-protection, the Allies requested the dissolution hv 30th June of all forces constituted with that idea. Germany was informed that she must hand to the Allies before 15th Mnrch the tsxt;'of all legislation to that end. All heavy arms placed at the disposal of these forces, and two-thirds of the portable, arms, must be destroyed by 31st March, and the remaining onethird by 30th June. The naval clauses of the' protocol/provided for the surrender of all documents by 28th February. Ships in reserve must be destroyed by 30th April, and the destructions already started must be completed before 31st July. Warships in. course of construction must be destroyed immediately and equally with submarines.]