THE FRENCH ARMY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8358, 19 February 1913, Page 7

THE FRENCH ARMY

TRIENNIAL SERVICE ADVOCATED TWENTY-THREE MILLION POUNDS WANTED, The newspapers advocate a revival of the trienmum system of military service in the army. The Government is asking for the expenditure of twenty-three millions pounds, to bo spread over some years, tor augmenting the Army and strengthening the defences. Conscription was introduced in tne French army in 1872, and under the law of 1905, which reduced the colour service from three years, the men serve two years in the active army, eleven years in the reserve, six years in the Territorial Army, and six years in its reserve. Reservists and Territorial soldiers are called out for practical training. THE BOURSE UNEASY. (Received February 18, 10.50 p.m.) PARIS, February 18. The Bourse is uneasy owing to the Government’s military proposals, also owing to a report of the summoning of the troops for annual training two months before the Usual time. A SEQUEL TO GERMANY’S ACTION. (Received February 18, 11.20 p.m.) PARIS, February 18. The Government’s action is a sequel to Germany’s raising her army to 850,000 peace strength. Already the 1915 standard has been reached, giving Germany 725,000 effective troops, compared with 550,000 French. Three millions sterling will be spent immediately on ammunition and artillery, and twenty millions later on bui.ding fortresses, heavy artillery, and aviation. If the Government arsenals are insufficient, private contractors will be utilised. The Government is unanimous that it is necessary to increase the army, as the total population is insufficient to consider the raising of the term of service to thirty months or three years for all arms, or three years for the cavalry. Special inducements will be offered for natives of French Africa.