DEFENCE OR —?

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10304, 13 January 1927, Page 5

DEFENCE OR —?

BIG INCREASE IN~IuERMAN

ESTIMATES MORE MONEY TO BE ALLOCATED TO ARMY CRITICS^UNEASY (United Press Assn. —Copyright.) LONDON, Jan. 11. The Times’ Berlin correspondent states that the military and naval estimates have caused much misgiving, showing a considerable increase over last year. The military estimates have increased by 7,000,099 marks and the naval estimates by 30,000,000 marks. The army consists of 3798 officers, 20,671 non-commissioned officers, and 75,329 others. Ten million marks are allotted to artillery for practice, 3,000,000 for autumn manoeuvres, and 42,000,000 for munitions.

The increases are attributed to the rises in wages and prices. Critics point out that the estimates are steadily increased from year to year. For example, in 1926 ithe expenditure was 64,000,000 more than in 1924. The naval increase is attributed to proposed new construction, but the bulk of the money is required for replacement of obsolete vessels. It is asked whether, apart from coastguard and scientific services, Germany’s expenditure on its navy serves a useful purpose.—Times.

GERMANY’S NEW EASTERN FORTIFICATIONS

REFUSAL TO ABANDON

ALLIES REFER MATTER TO HAGUE COURT

(Received Jan. 12, 7.5 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 12.

The Daily Mail’s Paris corresdent says Von Powels lias intimated Germany’s virtual refusal to destroy her new eastern fortifications. Ho contends that the Versailles Treaty allows extension and improvement. The Allies are therefore submitting the clauses relating to fortifications to the Hague Court for definition. Experts maintain that the fortifications are intended for offence, not defence.—A. and N.Z.C.A.