Army Scandals

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 49, 15 July 1914, Page 5

Army Scandals

SENSATION IX THE FRENCH SENATE. OLD AND INSUFFICIENT ARMAMENT NO BOOTS FOR THE SOLDIERS. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Received 14, 1<0.20 p.m. Paris, July 14. A sensation occurred in the Senate.

I Oharles Humbert, reporter for the Army Committee, surprised the Government by disclosing administrative scandal!. He accused the general staff oi gross incompetence. Manufacturers were supplying armored turrets that were inferior to those fursished to foreign countries. The supply of guns and ammunition was insufficient, shells were old and dangerous to handle, and howitzers old and inferior to Germany's. French inventors were not encouraged. The Government, V said, had arranged to spend four millions sterling upon a mortar invented in France in 11)10, but nothing had yet been done, though it. was now employed in the services of Germany and Russia. Communications :> iween the fortresses on the eastern .'.'.rnticr was hopelessly deficient.

j The army was short of two million ' pairs of boots, and in the event of war the soldiers would start for the front with none except those on their feet. The army at present had only sufficient pontoons and other equipment to cross the Moselle or the Rhine. Millions voted for defence were wasted. Parliament would consent to any indispensably, sacrifice, but it was essential to reorganise. M. Messimy admitted that most of Humbert's facts, taken separately, were correct. He promised to rigorouslv control the execution of the forthcoming programme.

M. Clemenccau described the sitting as the most heart-rending he could remember since 1870. He exclaimed: "We arc neither covered nor defended. The Government must uphold the situation and indicate a remedy." The debate was adjourned.