THE GERMAN ARMY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1860, 9 July 1920, Page 5

THE GERMAN ARMY.

military clauses of treaty

EXPLANATION OF DELAYS.

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, July 7. A Spa communique reports that at a fully attended conference including tiro Allies' military and naval advisers, the German Minister of Doienco reported in regard to the execution of the mditary clauses of the Treaty, and Dorr von Simons made a supplementary statement. It transpires from this that tho German Government attempted to attribute delays in this matter to the economic situation, especially as regards reducing the military effectives, alleging that it would bo impossible to disband more rapidly because the men would thus swell the ranks of tire unemployed.— (A. ami N.Z. cable).

ALLIES’ FIRM STAND.

ALARM OF THE GERMANS,

Received July 9, 9.20 a.m. LONDON, July 7. Spa messages indicate that the Germans are genuinely alarmed by the Allies’ firmness. The French and Belgians are delighted at Mr Lloyd George’s strong stand. Some of tin; German delegation counselled a refusal to givo specific promises and preferred a rupture in the negotiations, but saner counsels prevailed. Night-long discussions wore continued throughout tho morning in order to have a plan ready for the afternoon conference in accordance with the Allies’ demands. The Germans sought the Allies’ advice at one stage as to whether tiiey were proceeding as required. The Evening Standard’s Spa correspondent understands that, tho proposals provided for tho reduction of effectives to occupy a much longer lime than the Treaty stipulates, and lie believes the plan amounts io a revision of the Treaty. _ The correspondent adds: The British military advisers support the proposals, but flic French and Belgian disapprove of departures from the Treaty stipulations.—(A. and N.Z. cable).

HOW TO INSPIRE CONFIDENCE

Received July 9, 8.5 a.m. LONDON, July 7. A Spa communique states that. President Delacroix and Mr Lloyd George insisted on tlio necessity of Germany fixing definite and early dares for the execution of For military obligations, and regarding naval and aerial matters if they wished sincerely to ensure peace and inspire confidence. Mr Lloyd George requested the German delegates to furnish details at the next sitting. Tho German Chancellor, Herr Fehrenbach, guaranteed tho peaceful sentiments of tho mass of the Gorman people, and their freedom from any idea of revenge.— (Renter).

GERMAN OFFER REFUSED. ALLIES TO MAKE FINAL DECISION. Rcceive'ci July 9, 10 a.m. LONDON, July 7. The Allies have refused the German offer to reduce her army in 15 months, and will announce their final decision tomorrow. —(Times). The Conference met in the afternoon to receive the Gorman reply regarding the surrender of material and the reduction of effectives under the Treaty. Von Simons repeated the extreme difficulties facing Germany in satisfying the Allies and the dangers threatening her. Nevertheless she tecognised the necessity for furnishing precise data regarding tho. existing material and the dates whereon in the German Government ’s opinion the arms and effectives might be reduced to the Treaty figures. He concluded by calling on von Scckt, Chief of the German General Staff, to speak. Von Scckt handed in a detailed note regarding the material. He proposed a proportional reduction of the material and effectives to be carried Out within fifteen months. Mr Lloyd George, replying, described the anxiety which existed in Germany, according to the German. Minister’s statement, caused by tlie Conference. Several millions of rifles still remained in the hands of not only of tho troops but of tho jropulation and, in addition, thousa.nds of machine-guns, trench mortars, and guns. Over a million soldiers were under arms, under various forms and pretexts. It was beyond comprehension that such a dangerous and abnormal situation should ho tolerated by any Government. Tho Allies could not permit the prolongation of that situation another fifteen months. It must be settled by a vigorous effort in the shortest practicable time. The military, naval and air experts would meet to-night to investigate the Allied end Von Sockt’s figures, after which the Allies would to-morrow announce their final decision. —(A. and N.Z. cable).

BIG VOTE BY REICHSTAG.

lIANCELLOR’S POLICY APPROVED,

BERLIN, July 6.. The Reichstag has sanctioned an expenditure of 850 million marks for the maintenance of an army one hundred thousand strong. Tho total expenditure on tho army’s upkeep is 21 million marks. It was further announced that 195 million marks had boon earmarked :or the construction of merchant shipping rnd shipping yards, which latter will receive buildings subsidies according to progress of construction. The Reichstag rejected by 313 to 64 a vote of no-confidence moved bv the Independent Socialists, and adopted by 253 to 62 a motion approving of the Chancellor's declaration of policy. Fifty-four members did not vote on the latter motion. —(A. and N.Z. cable).