FORMATION OF ARMY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20142, 11 January 1940, Page 12

FORMATION OF ARMY

LUXEMBOURG PROPOSAL HINT OF U.S. AID LONDON, Dec. 29. The question of raising a Luxembourg army of 7000 to 8000 men has been seriously discussed in the last fc-w months, but it has been postponed for polijeal reasons. It was an idea of Prince Felix, husband of the Grand Duchess, win aimed to use the army to destroy frontier .bridges and render roads impassable in the event of a threatened invasion, thus checking the invaders for a sufficient time to permit friendly forces to come to Luxembourg’s aid before the invaders could enter the Grand Duchy in force. The opponents to the formation of an army pin their faith for Luxembourg's security on the excellent impression Prince Felix made when he represented Luxembourg at the New York World’s Fair and on the hopiof American intervention in the even! of Luxembourg being attacked. It is understood that President Roosevelt assured Prince Felix that he would not lose sight of the fact that Luxembourg might need help lithe event of a European conflagration. Nevertheless, responsible Luxembourg opinion is inclined to doubl whether American protection could be applied if Luxembourg continues a policy of unarmed neutrality, which policy can only be favourable to the Power disposed to violate, her territory. - ' •