FEAR OF ATTACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 262, 19 August 1930, Page 5

FEAR OF ATTACK.

STILL POTENT IN FRANCE. MILITARY SERVICE POLICY. (United Press Association— Copyright.) PARIS, August 18. The publication of General von Seeckt's book, in which the Chief ot Staff of the German Army outlines plans for the next war against France, has resulted in anxious discussions which revealed that the fear of a German attack is still potent in France, despite the virtual disarming ot Germany. ~ - „ Though there is every necessity toi economy in the public finances, M. Maginot (Minister of War) admits it is impossible to cut down military expenses, as it is essential to maintain the strength of the professional army. M. Maginot added: "Indeed, our covering force is no longer sufficient, as it is difficult to see, in the event of a sudden attack, how we can prevent an enemy from invading our territory while our reserves are being mobilised. M Maginot proposes to hasten the completion of the frontier defences, and thus be able to hold up any invading forces. . Some time ago dispatches from Paris to the American newspapers indicated that France had begun to cut down the number of soldiers with the colours, though she was actually spending more money on them. One year military service was now effective. There will be 400,000 men in the new French army, as against 540,000 at present, who were called up under a service ot 18 months. But although the army will be smaller, experts think it will be as formidable as a larger army organised under a two years' service law This is due to science and organisation. The new army of 400,000 men will contain only half as many conscripts as formerly, but will have 106 000 professional soldiers, officers, non-coms., and "old-timers,' besides the 35,000 civilians for routine work. This staff of disciplined soldiers, permanently engaged in training the youth of France, is counted on to turn the trick of doing in a year what once required seven years. Beginning in 1935, there will be a slump in the number of conscripts for five years when boys bom during the war, When the birth-rate was very low, will bo called to the colours. Modern subterranean fortifications, machine-guns, motonsed artillery, mass automobile transportation, the armv oT the air and other resources of science and invention, multiply the strength of the lessened man-power. Intensive training will put the men in fighting trim. Instead of keeping books, sweeping out barracks or peeling potatoes, the blues, as conscripts are called, will put _in their 12 months learning the essentials of war.