French Repulse Four German Raids

Northern Advocate, 21 December 1939, Page 5

French Repulse Four German Raids

(Received 2.30 p.m.) PARIS, December 20,

• French front line troops repulsed four German raids between the Moselle and vthe Vosges. Heavy artillery broke u# the strongest attack, in which German strength, estimated at one company, was forced to retire in confusion, leaving arms and material. Over 100 arrests have been made in Paris 4nd Toulouse on charges of Communistic activities. The French official evening communique from the Western Front says there was marked activity by contact units during the day. A German communique says there were local reconnaissances and artillery activity near Perl, against the Hammersberg and the Kitzingmerschweiler lines, and harassing fire south of Pirmasens. British troops are patrolling no mans land with one eye on the enemy and the other on the supplies for Christmas. All are in excellent spirits. French War Bill. Christmas supplies are coming through well and thousands of puddings from England are being distributed,, as well as socks, scarves and pullovers, which are coming up from the bases. They afe greatly appreciated on these dark, cold and wet days. The French Minister for Finance (M. Reynaud) announced that France’s military war bill for 1940 was estimated at £ 1,428,000,00 Q. War credits for the first quarter would be £357,000,000.