REICH HELPLESS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11657, 23 October 1923, Page 5

REICH HELPLESS

BAVARIA HOLDS ALL CARDS. ARMY DISLOYAL. Published In ,f Thft . Tldom "* (Received October 22, 9.10 p.m.) IiO'NDON, October 21. “The Times” correspondent at Munich says: “If Herr Gessler attempts to enforce his policy against Bavaria with the assistance of the military it is doubtful if he could find a single division in the whole of Germany prepared to obey orders. Bavaria could put into the field 150,000 men. Even the members of the Reiohsvehr who are Bavarian born and bred regard their first duty is to Bavaria, and not Germany, and will only obey tho Central Government against foreign aggression. “Herr Gessler might employ financial compulsion, but Bavaria is strong in gold reserve, comparatively prosperous, and able to carry on public services unaided. Railway and postal isolation may be employed, but Bavaria lias already arranged for that. “As regards foodstuffs, she is selfsupporting. It is considered that if the Berlin Government attempts isolation it would result in giving Bavaria control of her own army, railways, and public which lias been throughout Von Knhr’s ulterior aim.”