A GERMAN PLOT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17028, 30 April 1923, Page 7

A GERMAN PLOT.

AIMED AT REPUBLIC. «*y Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian ami N.Z. Cable Association. (Received April 30, 9.10 a.m.) xi.pi ii Reactionary oveitnrow the Atepuoiic v»*a diaciosed at a trim in Leipzig nelu lo aeciue whether tho Fopuiar jj'reeuoin ran-) hiouui be hroiten up. lne whole lacift. win nut be pubiisncd a 3 «.iie leaders oi cue party coiiccnd that their publication wouiu endanger national inujreata in view ol the new Allied Aoce regarding illegal German organisations, in consequence of this, the judges, after the opening speeches, decided to continue the hearing in private. lhe preliminary speech for the Government side indicated that the party was highly organised in Prussia, Thuring la and Saxony into companies innocently disguised as gymnastic societies. The discoveries included plans for their advance into Central Germany, and the investment of Berlin. Field exercises in fighting formation had been arranged. Branches had been established in all the leading towns, and when the time was ripe the leadership was to be transferred to a certain general. The most active organiser was Lieutenant Rossbach. now awaiting trial on a charge of high treason. The speaker contended that it was the intention to organise all reactionary fighting formations with the object of overthrowing the Government. Von Greve and other leaders of the party replied that the party was innocent. Its aims were political, but they would not disclose them in open court. They had no intention of engaging in war with France, though it was admitted that the defence of the frontiers was among the objectives. It was also admitted that Lieutenant Rossbach had intrigued to obtain the neutrality of the Reichswehr. At this point the Court entered upon the private session.