France Mans Maginot Line

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 211, 7 September 1938, Page 5

France Mans Maginot Line

Reserves Called Up

REPLY TO GERMAN FRONTIER MOVEMENTS

United Press Association.—l3v Electric Telegraph.—Copyright, PARIS, Sept. 5. Numbers of French reservist! have been called to the colours Tot the purpose of manning the Maginot Line, the line of forts on the German frontier. Frontiei garrisons are at full strength. All leave has been temporarily cancelled.

The Prime Minister, M. Daladier, after a conference with the Foreign Minister, M. Bonnet, issued a communique stating that j leave had been cancelled and reservists nailed ud as an nnavoid able precaution in view of the German frontier reinforcements. He urges calmness, which is an “essential clement for the maintenance of peace. In any case, according to the latest information, the general situation is apparently tending toward an appreciable relaxation of the tension.’’ The “precautionary measures include Navy and Air Force preparations and cancellation of the leave of officials of the Ministries, gendarmes on the frontiers, and employees of tho prefectures. “We are ready for any eventuality. We are not losing sight of tho fact that Germany has 1,500,000 men under arms,” declared a Foreign Office. official. He announced that it was intended to man fully the forts and defences of the Maginot Line, and other frontier garrisons, but emphasised that there was no question of mobilisation. The measures could be regarded as a series of separate operations. The newspapers do not feature the measures, which are accepted by the civil population without excitement.

The German authorities at Nure.n berg are surprised at the French action in manning the Maginot Line. They declare that, while not questioning France’s right to take any steps she thought necessary lor he. security, Germany considered herseli entitled to take similar steps. "Just manoeuvres" is the laconic ex* planation of German frontier movements given by Berlin. It is declared that it is ridiculous to talk of antiFrench concentrations. A Brussels message says that military movements are unlikely. The Belgian Government does not consider special measures necessary.

A Prague message says it is learned that France gave Czechoslovakia advance information of her military pre--nutinn- T. i- that this

will he followed at present by exceptional Czech measures, as vigilance has long prevailed.