HITLER’S POLICY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21308, 30 March 1939, Page 12

HITLER’S POLICY

ALARM IN SWITZERLAND By Telegraph—Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, March 29 Alarm at Herr Hitler's recent actions was expressed by Mr Alphons Horning, chemist, of Berne, Switzerland, who is on a holiday tour of the Dominion. “I see it in the cable messages that 700,000 German troops are massed on the Swiss border," he said. “It is bad; it seems to me that Herr Hitler is going to do something against us. He does not make things good for Europe.” Switzerland would defend herself to the last man if German or any other troops tried to enter, said Mr Horning. The Swiss army, 400,000 strong, was small, but efficient. It was led by splendid officers. Switzerland wanted to stay free from war, but she would certainly fight if attacked. “We have the Alps and mountains to help us defend our little country,” continued Mr Horning. “We have a special mountaineering brigade-men equipped with skis, ice axes and rifles They are very good in the mountains. Military training is compulsory Young men join at 20 years and serve for two to four years. Then they are drafted to the reserve until they are fortyfive.”

There was a small ail’ force, but Mr Horning admitted that although efficient and equipped w ! th the latest machines, it would be of little real value in defence. The people in the cities and towns were well prepared for war. Emergency methods of defence had been well organised. There were plenty of bomb-proof shelters and gas masks where necessary. All the Swiss borders were fully fortified, especially against Germany.