THE FRENCH ARMY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8362, 24 February 1913, Page 7

THE FRENCH ARMY

THREE YEARS GERMANY’S PLAN IN TIME 01 WAR. Uy Telegraph—Proas Association—Copyright LONDON. February 21. A Paris message says that the demand of a large section of tho press for a three years’ army service is growing. It is stated that Germany’s plan in war time would throw half a million of men upon the French covering lino, breaking it at three points. At present France has only 178,000 covering troops, and the fifth day of war would fiud the enemy entering the French concentration, which would scarcely have begun. lit was stated a few days ago that thA French Government intends to immediately expend Jt3,000.000 on ammunition and artillery, and .£20,000.000 later on the building of fortresses, heavy artillery, and aviation. This action is interpreted as a ecqnel to Germany’s raising her army to 850,000 at peace strength. Already tho 1915 standard has been reached, giving Germany 725,000 effectives, compared with 550,000 in the French army, it has been reported that the Government is unanimous that it is necessary to increase the army, as tho total population is insufficient to consider tho raising of tho term of service to thirty months or three years for all arms, or three years for cavalry. Conscription was introduced in 1872, and under the taw of 1905, which reduced the colour service from three years, the men serve two years in tho active army, eleven years in its reserve, six yeare in the territorial army, and six years in its reserve. Esorvists and territorial soldiers are called out for practical training.