WESTERN FRONT

Grey River Argus, 7 September 1939, Page 7

WESTERN FRONT

ONLY MANOEUVRES On Tuesday Morning NEW YORK, September 5. The Associated Press of America Paris correspondent says: It is omcially announced that the French forces have contacted the Germans, and have penetrated German tern*°The United Press Paris correspondent says: A French official communique stated that an engagement which is understood to be a preliminary manoeuvring of advanced French and German troops, has begun on the Western Front. The communique did not indicate any real fighting up to 3.45, Paris time. An Official German communique stated: "Until 9 a.m., not a single shot was fired on the Western Front. There were no air-raids, except those by the British at Wilhelmshaven and Cuxhaven.” COLOURLESS FRENCH COMMUNIQUE. "PROCEEDING NORMALLY.” PARIS, September 5. War communique No. 3 states: ‘‘Operations by the whole of the land, sea, and air forces are proceeding normally.” IN STRATEGICAL STAGE YET. DELAY IN HEAVY FIGHTING EXPLAINED. (Received September 6, 7 p.m.) NEW YORK, September 5. The Paris correspondent of the “New York Times" says: It is believed that the Germans are meeting ™ such a resistance in Poland that thej will be compelled, henceforth, to%jct methodically. Thus the main armies on both the western fronts are not likely to come to grips for some time.

FRENCH ARMY

Increases Pressure ON NORTHERN FRONT. MAIN ATTACK ON OTHER FLANK [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.l (Received September 6, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, September 5. The Paris correspondent of the Associated Press of America says: The left wing of the French Army has increased its pressure on the German northern flank along a front one hundred miles in length. The French Army has issued a communique which states: “Our troops are in contact with the enemy everywhere along the frontiei' between the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.” (The Moselle is a tributary of the Rhine.) It is recalled that the permanent fortification along the French border of the Rhine “is here and there.” The main French attack was to the southward at “The Burgundy Gate,” where an artillery barrage has been concentrated. ' The surmise is fully warranted that the lo'.g and relatively narrow tract between the Maginot Line and the West Wall has already become a sort of “No Man’s Land,” and is being pounded with shells of all calibres from both sides.

Different from 1914 fortified positions. FOR BOTH SIDES. (Received September 6, 11.55 p.m.) LONDON, ‘September 6. The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says: It is pointed out here that, if the official information regarding the Western Front operations has thus far been vague, it must be remembered that both sides are based on heavily fortified positions. This is-unlike 1914, when the war began as. a manoeuvre movement in comparatively open country. However,'massive French land forces are proceeding with a smoothness matching the general French mobilisation. The French Air Force and Navy are also simultaneously active, each in its own fashion. i

FRENCH GAINS

In Saar Region PRESSURE ON GERMANS INCREASING. (Recd. Sept. 7, 1.50 a.m.) MONTREAL, September 6. The Associated Precs of America Paris correspondent says that French attacks during Tuesday night are officially reported to have been concentrated in the north-east, where the German Saar lies, between the Rhine and the Moselle. To-day’s communique was the first to claim gains, as contrasted with the previous reports of mere local successes. This is interpreted to mean that French infantry, covered by artillery, have eliminated outlying German blockhouses at several points. While theme is no indication of a large-scale offensive, it was apparent that the French are gradu- , ally increasing their pressure. Evidence of the increased activity of enemy aircraft is to be seen in various sectors. 300 Americans VOLUNTEER IN FRANCE. (Received September 6, 11.55 p.m.) PARIS, September 6. Three hundred Americans in France have volunteered for service in an American Legion. Many of them are Great War veterans. Americans are also donating and manning nineteen ambulances. BRITAIN RETURNS TO NORMAL. [lndependent Cable]. (Received September 7, 2.45 a.m.) LONDON. September 6. The country is rapidly returning near to as normal conditions as possible during wartime. The Pier Cinema, at Aberystwyth is the first picturehou.se to reopen on condition that somebody is posted to listen for air-raid warnings, as a provision against panic. The 8.8. C. hopes soon to resume its normal programmes instead of the present gramophone records of interrupted news bulletins.

BRITISH COMMUNISTS

Disbandment of Party (Received September 7, 2.45 a.m.) LONDON, September 6. The British Communist Party has been disbanded. Future meetings of the Party are banned. Rome Air Raid Shelters BEING DISMANTLED. (Received September 6, 11.55 p.m.) ROME, September 6. Workmen are now dismantling the air raid shelters here. Italy’s Economies AMUSEMENTS, TRANSPORT AND PRESS. (Received September 7, 2.48 a.m.) ROME, September 6. All public places of amusement, bars and restaurants in Italy must close at midnight. All ’buses and trams must cease running at 12.30 a.m. The newspapers are to be cut down to four pages only. MALTA’S LOYALTY. (Received September 7, 3.38 a.m.) MALTA, September 6. At a special session of the Maltese Council, the Government passed a resolution reaffirming Malta’s loyalty and determination to support Britain. SYRIA LOYAL TO FRANCE. [lndependent Cable]. (Received September 7, 2.38 a.m.) DAMASCUS, September 6. The Government of Syria sent a message to the French High Commissioner declaring that Syria was proud to place herself on the side of France. KING OF BELGIUM. FULL POWER TO GOVERN. (Received Sentember 7, 12.45 a.m ) BRUSSELS, September 6. The Chamber passes a Bill giving King Leopold full power to govern in wartime.