FRENCH FRONTIER

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19945, 1 November 1934, Page 14

FRENCH FRONTIER

NETWORK OF FORTS TO DEFY ANY GUN LONDON, October 20. “This time it is armour, not flesh and blood, that the invader will encounter.” says the Paris correspondent of “The Times,” quoting an authority’s description of the French defences. These stretch from Nice, which is now strongly fortified, almost to the English Channel, the last section of which, opposite Belgium, is now being organised. The French have taken the gloomiest view of Germany’s intentions, the correspondent adds, and have barred every avenue of approach—especially famous danger points on routes of possible invasion via Holland, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Belgium. Verdun has been re-fortified and. with Thiomnville, Metz, Nancy and Toul. forms an area of fortresses protecting the rich ironfields of Briey against every form of attack man has devised. Concealed Barracks The Vosges are defended with an enormous series of small posts covering each other. The fortifications at Maubeuge are being enlarged and modernised. The fortifications are unconcealed when desirable, and others have the maximum of concealment. Miles of peaceful fields cover underground bar- : racks with electric ammunition hoists, | electric cooking and lighting, and steel | doors sunk at such a depth that no I gun could reach them. ! Ventilation is secured by means of | fans which also raise an internal presI sure sufficient to keep out poison gas. The whole frontier is manned with ! special divisions, the men of which | were trained in the neighbourhood, residing there when reservists. They thus form a fighting force knowing every inch of the ground.