TROOPS ON BORDER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23218, 12 December 1938, Page 11

TROOPS ON BORDER

LIBYA AND TUNISIA BOTH SIDES ACTIVE STRONG FRENCH DEFENCES LONDON, Dec. 9 It is estimated that there are 200,000 troops face to face across the desert on the border of Libya and Tunisia, says the Paris correspondent of the British United Press. In spite of military secrecy it appears that extensive Italian troop movements have been completed. Also Marshal Balbo has substantially reinforced Nalut, Sinauen and Gadames, Italy's western outposts in Tripolitana These face powerful French defence lines built up quietly in the past five years, the most modern weapons from Europe's arsenals backing up the troops. In addition to many warplanes, the French have reinforced Fort St. Just, opposite Gadames. Colonial the Foreign Legion in the north are manning the desert "Maginot Line." The French have built a wide barbedwire barrier along the coast for the protection of Medenine, the eastern outpost protecting Gabes.

LIKE ARMED CAMP CITY OF TUNIS REINFORCED PREPARATIONS FOR TROUBLE Independent Cable Service PARIS. Dec. 9 French Government sources deny sensational reports circulating in London that troops are being rushed to Tunis. However, it is stated from Tunis, that the city is like an armed camp, following large-scale reinforcements, with Spahis and Zouaves patrolling the streets. The garrison is standing by. There is no doubt that the French authorities are fully preparing for likely trouble at the week-end. POSITION STRONGER FRENCH GOVERNMENT PREMIER'S FIGHTING SPEECH (Received December 11, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS. Dec. 10 The French Government's position has be«yi strengthened as the result of a fighting speech of the Prime Minister, M. Daladier, on the resumption of the session in the Chamber of Deputies. M. Daladier faced an angry and agitated Chamber, but "he sat down amid prolonged applause. He challenged his opponents to vote him out of office or to permit him to continue his programme, and violently attacked the Communists again for their incitement of the workers to strike. The Prime Minister appealed for peace with Germany, and pointed out that there was no hope of peace with France's neighbours unless internal friction ended. The Chamber voted confidence in the Government by 315 to 241, with 53 abstentions. The Seamen's Union at Le Havre has called off the strike. The men will resume work on Monday.