ARMED GERMANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 November 1919, Page 5

ARMED GERMANY.

THE SEPARATE FORCES. ")BJiS DISTRIBUTED BROADCAST. 9j Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Nov. 26, 5.5 pin. London, Nov. 22. Discussing the recent estimates of Germany's armed strength an authority ljust returned from Germany stated there were three catagories of armed forces, as follows: (1) The. National Army of 100,000 as (fixed by the Versailles Conference. (2j The Public Defence Corps estimated at 100,000 and centred in the cities. It is tantamount to permanent ipoliee, all the members being ex-soldiers and living in barracks. ,<3) The Citizens Defence Corps, consisting of volunteers, which sprang into existence as a result of the Spartacist trouble. Its numbers- are incalculable, but it is known to be well armed and offcered, and undoubtedly the reactionaries count on its support. The foree possesses organisations in the rural districts, besides the town. Stocks of arms and ammunition have been sent broadcast over Germany for emergencies, notably in Pomerari, where every country house is an arsenal. The authority added: What Beriin is taOst impressed with is the growth of British prestige. The Germans, especially business men, believe Britain to be most sympathetic towards the reConstruction of Germany, and they look most hopefully to Britain and the Colonies for raw materials, without which Germany must starve.—Reuter Service. THE ACTION OF AMERICA. INSPIRED GERMAN VIEWS. ! Received Nov. 26, 5.5 pjn. Berlin, Nov. 22. Vorwaerts, which is now the official beirspaper, writes: Germany could Adopt the standpoint that America's retirement from the Peace Treaty abrogates the authority of the commissions, because they will be otherwise composed than Germany agreed with. It is questionable, however, whether fresh peace hegotiations would bring grist to Germany's mill, in view df the Allied strength. Therefore Germany may be expected loyally to co-operate with the Allies in filling the gaps caused by America's withdrawal.—Aus.-N.Z. ' Cable Asm.