SUBTLE WARFARE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25427, 7 January 1944, Page 4

SUBTLE WARFARE

The attitude of calculated hatred shown by the women of France toward the German occupation forces has developed into a warfare against which the Nazis have no adequate defence. According to French underground reports, French women trip the Germans in Paris subways, cut crosses of Lorraine in their coats, and insult them by refusing offers of seats from Nazis who pride themselves on their correct behaviour in crowded trains. French women also feel it a point of honour to look well dressed before the hated Nazis, even if it means making frocks out of window curtains or any other material that comes to hand. This annoys the Germans; because', no matter how much they pay- for Parisian clothes for their wives, the German women never have the same smart appearance. A 22-year-old Parisian school teacher who recently escaped to London said that the Germans’ troubles had increased of late. Many of them realised that the Reich was losing the war and their nerves were cracking.

In addition the women of France provide more positive service for the Allies by transporting ammunition by underground, informing the British of German military installations and ship movements, aiding airmen to escape and carrying messages enabling the underground leaders to maintain contact. Many have been killed in performing this work. “ They take even more risks than the men,” said a French Army officer.