THE BLACK LEGIONS.

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1401, 8 September 1923, Page 2

THE BLACK LEGIONS.

FRANCE'S STRATEGIC RAILWAYS IN AFRICA. Adopting a report by General Magnin, the French Army Council has finally decided upon the strategic railways to be built by France in West Africa and in the Sahara. The ra'lway system of West Africa, which will include Togo and the Cameroons, will be linked up to the North African railway system by a trans-Sahara line, so as to enable the transport of the black legions of France to the Mediterranean seaboard by an overland route. These strategic railways are, however, only part of the great public works planned by France for the development of her African Empire. A complete system of irrigation is already under way, by which it is hoped to make the middle Niger as fertile as the delta of the Nile. No attempt will be made to establish an elaborate school system for the natives, as in many places there is only one inhabitant per square kilometre, and it is the intention of the Government to rely upon tine regiment as a school to teach the young natives French and form them to French ideas during the time of their, compulsory military service. In connection with these developments it is of interest to note that General Degoutte may be sent from the Ruhr to command in Morocco. Marslhal Lyautey, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Morocco, who recently underwent a severe operation, will not be able to resume his post, and he has recommended to the French Government that General Degoutte be appointed in his stead. The post of Commander-in-chief of Morocco is one of the most important in the gift of France, and it is understood that whoever succeeds Marshal Lyautey, will at the end of ihis term be promoted to the rank of marshal. M. Maginot, the Minister of War, has approached General Degoutte on the subject, but so far no reply has been received from the Commander-in-Chief of the army of the Rhine. Although it is believed that General Degoutte is unwilling to relinquish his present command until the occupa- i tion of Rulhr has given the results | hoped for, great pressure is being i brought to bear to bring about his appointment, as this would enable the Government to send General Magnin to Dusseldorf.