SECURITY OF FRANCE

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 120, 18 February 1928, Page 9

SECURITY OF FRANCE

DISCUSSION IN CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES WHEN RHINELAND IS EVACUATED Paris, February 16. , The discussion by the Chamber of Deputies of the organisation of the country in war time was marked by a statement of General Hirschhauer emphasising that the projected fortresses on the Eastern frontier must be supported by a proper system of railways and roads. France paid dearly for her voluntary retirement behind a twentykilometre line in 1914, and could not again afford the risk of the loss of territory containing valuable minerals. At present she was able to resist invasion owing to the occupation of the Rhineland. That position would change when this territory was evacuated.

Deputy Vincent urged that attention was also essential to the Franco-Bel-gian frontier owing to the coal mines. Die present system of defence was boijiid up with Belgium and depended on an arrangement between the general staffs, which was not binding on the Parliaments.

M. Painleve, Minister of War, replied that the Government agreed with General Hirschhauer and ordered that the officers to be engaged on fortifications must be given e\ v ery assistance.—Sydney’ “Sun.”