Defence Of Spain Offers Problems For U.S.

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26515, 1 September 1951, Page 7

Defence Of Spain Offers Problems For U.S.

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

(Rec. 10 p.m.) - MADRID, August 31. One problem confronting the American military mission now in Madrid is to decide whether the 250-mile long Pyrenees mountains which separate France from Spain could be defended.

The Pyrenees provide a formidable natural barrier, but most observers conclude that it would be extremely difficult and perhaps even impossible to defend them at present Although Spain has an army potentially 1,000,000 strong, she has no air “umbrella,” no radar, and no anti-aircraft guns. Four of her best units—the four “mountain divisions”— are stationed permanently in the Pyrenees. In the event of war, this force would at once be increased to 10 divisions, but its main equipment would be old-fashioned rifles and artillery and the German three-purpose 88mm. gun for anti-tank, antiaircraft, and mobile artillery tasks.

Spain’s Air Force, of 40,00 men, has about 70 bombers and 150 fighters—all of ancient design. The Navy has five cruisers and about 20 destroyers. ' Observers in Madrid assume that the American mission now meeting Spanish defence chiefs will discuss preparing air and sea bases so that if necessary American forces in Europe could at once place an air umbrella over Spain and protect her coast against sea landings.