DISARMAMENT.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18402, 8 June 1925, Page 9

DISARMAMENT.

NOTE TO GERMANY. RECEIPT CAUSES SHOCK. MAIN DEMANDS OUTLINED. (BT CABLX— ?BESS ASBOCIATIOW—COPTWOHT.) (EECTXB'S TELEOBAMB.) (Received June 7th, 5 5 p.m.) LONDON, June 6. The Allied Disarmament Note to Germany analyses in detail the situation, and says that Germany has acted the opposite to every military clause of the Peace Treaty. The Note specifies thirteen points on which infractions have occurred and demands inter alia: (1) The reduction of the number of police from- 180,000 to 150,000, while the military character thereof must disappear. (2) The destruction or transformation of certain types of factories. (3) The reorganisation of the German high command and general staff, which, r.ow is similar to the pre-war status, and a reduction of the administration personnel. (4) The rectification of the military organisation of the railway system. (5) The suppression of short term enlistment in the Reichswehr and of the military activities of various associations. The Note also formulates miscellan*cous demands relating to illicit traffic in war material, where the requisitions are in the nature of coastal and land fortifications.

Authoritative political circles are of the opinion that the Allied Note displays a complete misconception of the extent of Germany's disarmament. It is stated that the conception that Germany has formed an army in proportion to her population is entirely opposed to the facts, nevertheless the Government is prepared immediately to examine carefully the Note and remedy any failures and carry out its obligations. It is emphasised, however, that Germany cannot go beyond a loyal interpretation of the Treaty of Versailles. The Government's one aim is to securo a lasting peace. The Allies' Note unpleasantly shocked Germany, according to am official spokesman, who said the Government regarded the situation most pessimistically. He added that the demands were mostly ridiculous and trivial. No doubt some would be rejected. The spokesman was sarcastic in his reference to the Allies' demand for the abolition of policemen's steel helmets, which-he said were not a mecace to the peace of Europe.