BRITISH LINE IMPREGNABLE

Southland Times, Issue 23990, 4 December 1939, Page 7

BRITISH LINE IMPREGNABLE

Opinion Expressed By Colonel Reitz GREAT EFFORT OF ALLIES (British Official Wireless) (Received December 2, 6.30 p.m.) RUGBY, December 1. Colonel Denys Reitz, the South African representative at the recent Empire discussions in London, in a broadcast in Afrikaans from London, said that the fortifications of the British front in the Maginot Line were impregnable. Ten million soldiers could not break through them. “Herr Hitler now realizes this and his troops are holding back, making no effort to attack France,” said Colonel Reitz. “Herr Hitler will now try to win the war by sowing mines in the seas and by a more intense use of submarines. These measures may cause a good deal of damage before they can be overcome, but they will not win the

war, as effective counter-measures will be taken. There are more ships on the sea today than there are motorcars in Johannesburg and I do not believe that Germany will achieve her objects by such methods. “I have also seen what is being done in England and France in building fleets, the military strength and other activities and I can only say that this is surely the greatest war effort in the history of the world. The French and British do not boast. They do not rave or bluster on the radio all day long, but they are determined to put an end to the policy of force and plunder, under which no nation or country can feel safe. “Fellow South Africans, remember one thing: If that system of vultures and robbers were to triumph, our freedom, our language and all that we hold dear would be lost.” MORE MEN CALLED UP IN BRITAIN ANOTHER 225,000 RECRUITS FOR SERVICES RUGBY, December 1. A Royal proclamation requires all British subjects who have reached the age of 20 on December 1, 1939, but have not reached the age of 23, to register for service. The registration date is December 9. The procedure will be the same as for the other classes. It is estimated that this means about 225,000 more men for the services. The new proclamation extends liability for service to men of 22 and also those who since October 1, but before December 2, have attained the age of 20.