NEW ADVANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 February 1921, Page 5

NEW ADVANCE.

IF GERMANY REFUSES. FRANCE TAKES PROMPT ACTION. MILITARY PLANS PREPARED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright, Received Feb. 19, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 18. France’s reply to the recent defiant speeches by Herr von Simons (German Foreign Minister) is quick and decisive. It is announced that Marshal Foch, in collaboration with M. Briand, M. Barthou and Marshal Petain, has drawn up plans for an immediate advance by French troops in the event of Germany’s refusal to accept the Allies’ reparation proposals on the basis of the Paris agreement. Amongst other military precautions will be the retention of the 1918-49 class with the colors and the maintenance of an especially alert army of occupation, in which area France expects to receive a strong mandate from the Allies, although this will not prevent Britain from carrying out< her part in the same role.— United Service. DISARMAMENT SUSPENSION. GERMANY’S REPORTED ACTION. Received Feb. 20, 55 p.m. Paris, Feb. 19. According to the Petit Parisien’s Berlin correspondent the German Government has decided to suspend disarmament pending the result of the negotiations in London. —Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. • REVENGE DEEP-ROOTED. THE NECESSITY FOR CAUTION. Received Feb. 20, 5.5 p.m. Brussels, Feb. 18. A member of the Foreign Affairs Commission, in the Chamber, expressed the opinion that the disarmament of Germany was an accomplished fact, and the pacificism of the German people certain. M. Hymans, replying, declared that the idea of revenge was very deep-rooted in Germany, and therefore Belgium ought not tb allow herself to be lulled into a feeling of false security. —Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. LABOR PARTY’S ACTION. London, Feb. 18. The Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress and the executive of the Labor Party adopted a manifesto deprecating the German indemnity as fixed at Paris as being impossible of fulfilment, and calculated to lead to further unemployment in Britain. It declares it is unthinkable that Europe can exist as an armed camp for 42 years, and believes that if Germany is given a breathing, space she will make good the actual devastation. COUNTER PROPOSALS FORECASTED. Paris, Feb. 18. It is believed in diplomatic circles that the German counter-proposals will include reduction of the reparation payments and the delimitation of trade spheres in various countries, Germany hoping to secure the Russian markets. The final suggestion will be the recomstraction of the devastated areas by German contractors and workmen.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.