Behind The Headlines

Northern Advocate, 10 February 1940, Page 8

Behind The Headlines

Utmost official secrecy has surrounded British troop movements in Europe .and it is only in recent days that the public has learned something of the facts. Even then the announcement lias not come through the channels of the Ministry of Information (or Ministry of Misinformation as it has been dubbed in the Old Country) and it has . been left to the South African Minister for Native Affairs to make the disclosure regarding the position occupied by. the British Expeditionary Force in France. Actually the information has not been wholly secret as, while British war correspondents knew facts that they could not publish because of the censorship, neutral newspapermen, particularly the Americans, gave all the information possible to their readers. Defences Constructed. Now the British people know that their troops .are guarding France’s frontier where previously it was little fortified and have been constructing defences designed,, to stand the strain of heavy attacks which may be expected in the spring. This fortification cuts across France in the north and is designed in expectation of a German thrust through Belgium as in the Great War. Latest information is that the British troops hold a line from Lille, approximately 70 miles long, and extending to within a few miles of the River Meuse near the Luxemburg frontier. It is probable, however, that the line has been extended to link up with the French fortifications which border Luxemburg and continue on to the vicinity of Sedan. Danger Points. This section of the frontier guarded by British troops includes the danger points formed by river valleys which

British Tr&ops Wait On Freneh Frontier

sweep to the north-east from France to Belgium with the centre of the line opposite Mons 15 miles away. The line .also follows through Anzim, Valenciennes and Fourmies and shelters the important towns of Cambrai, St. Quentin and Arras. In addition to being charged with this important duty the Tommies have also been called upon to relieve the French on the Western Front, a fact which has led to an impression that they were engaged in any fighting that has- taken place in recent months on the Western Front. The true position is that the main body of British soldiery is being held many miles to the north-west of the sectors where fighting has actually taken place although some regiments have taken part in patrol operations on the Western Front. Strategic Occupation. . This main body of British troops, which is highly mechanised and well trained, is waiting in a strategic position from which it can deal effectively with any sudden onslaught by the enemy if the Germans .attempt to outflank the Maginot Line, either through Belgium or Luxemburg. While perhaps idle at the present time in so far as fighting is concerned the British troops command a position of utmost importance. Chances of a German attack through this country do not seem probable but the policy of watchful waiting against a sudden offensive is thoroughly sound.