SWISS NOT SO VERY HELPLESS.

Otaki Mail, 31 March 1939, Page 1

SWISS NOT SO VERY HELPLESS.

“READY TO DEFEND OUR LITTLE COUNTRY.” VISITING NATIONAL SEES DANGER LOOMING | CHRISTCHURCH, Mar. 23. Alarm at Herr Hitler's recent actions was expressed to-day by M. Alphons Horning, a chemist, of Berne, Switzerland, who is on a holiday tour of the j Dominion. “I see it in cable messages to-day that 700,000 German troops are massed on the Swiss border,” he said. “It is bad. It seems that Hitler is going to do something against us. He does not make good things for Europe.” Switzerland would defend herself to the last man if German or any ether troops tried to enter, said Mr. Horning. The Swiss army, 400,000 strong, was small but efficient, and it was led by splendid officers. Switzerland wanted to stay free from war but would certainly fight i-f attacked. “We have the Alps and mountains to help us defend our little country,” continued Mr. Horning. “We fcave . special mountaineering bridgade men! equipped with skis, ice axe3 and liflea. i They arc very good in the mountains. Military training is compulsory. Young men join at 20 and serve for two to four years. Then they are drafted to

the reserve until they are 45.” There was a small air force, but j Mr. Horning admitted that although J efficient and equipped with the latest machines, it would be ol little real value in defence. The people in the cities and towns were well prepared for war. Emergency methods of defence I had been well organised and there were plenty of bomb-proof shelters and gasmasks. Where necessary, ail the Swiss borders were fully fortified, especially against Germany.