A SECRET ARMY.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 May 1923, Page 5

A SECRET ARMY.

ORGANISATION IN GERMANY. AMAZING REVELATIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Berlin, April 28. Reactionary plotting to overthrow the Republic was disclosed at the trial iq Leipzig held to decide whether the Popular Freedom Party shall be broken up. The whole facts will not be published, as the leaders of the party contend that their publication will endanger national interests, in view of the new Allied Noto regretting illegal German organisations. Tn consequence of this the judges, after the opening speeches, decided to continue the hearing in private. The preliminary speech for the Government side indicated that the party wa« highly organised in Prussia.. Thuringa, and Saxony into companies innocently disguised ns gymnastic societies. The discoveries included plans for an advance into Central Germany, the investment of Berlin, and field exercises in fighting formation. Branch os had been established in all the lead* ing towns and, when the time was ripe, the leadership was to be transferred t? a certain general. The most active organiser was Lieutenant Rossbaoh, now awaiting trial on a charge of high treason. The speaker contended it was the intention to organise all the reactionary fighting formations with the object of overthrowing the Government. Herr von Greve and other leaders of the party replied that the party was innocent and its own aims political, but they would not disclose them in open court. They had no intention of engaging in war with France, though ii was admitted the defence of/ the frontiers was among the objectives. It was also admitted that Lieutenant Roasbac't liad intrigued to obtain the neutrality of the Reichswehr. At this point the court entered upon the private session.