FRANCE'S DEFENCES.

Taihape Daily Times, 17 February 1919, Page 3

FRANCE'S DEFENCES.

WANTS ASSURANCE AGAINST GERMAN ■ AGGRESSION. PRIS, February 13 Foch recently propounded a scheme to secure France against sudden German aggression. He desires that the Rhine should become Germany's military frontier. France has no desire to control the territory lying between the Rhine and the political frontier, beyond securing that it contains no forts, munition works, or military establishments, also that conscription should not be applied within the area. France's insistent desire for complete security is also found in her latest" endeavour to secure an amendment of the League of Nations draft. It is this which is believed to have caused delay In the presentation of the scheme to plenary conference. France wants some sort of international organisation with full power to call out a great international force to check and punish any sudden aggression, but <of 'lirtJastic "oustitution. The United States caused delay. The Americans could not give off-hand approval, though willing to bring the facts immediately before Congress, 'and in the event of aggression to ask Congress to decide whether the armed forces of the Republic should be employed. The drafting committee is endeavouring to devise ;: clause covering the French desires, and the American reservations.