BELGIAN FEARS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20951, 2 November 1939, Page 8

BELGIAN FEARS

STOCK EXCHANGE

A LIGHTNING INVASION BORDER FORTIFICATIONS TRAPS FOR TANKS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) NEW YORK, Nov. 1 Anticipating a lightning invasion with tanks, similar to the invasion of Poland, Belgium has constructed an ingenious modern Chinese wall along her main defence lines, says the Brussels correspondent of the New York Times. He adds:— “I have just seen sections of the wall in Namur and Liege. It comprises movable steel gates six feet high, mounted on rollers like those used for tennis courts, and anchored by cables strung to rails set in concrete. “Unable to surmount the obstacle which the gates provide, tanks become ensnared and offer an easy target. The Belgians claim that artillery can blow the gates up, yet they will return to the same place and continue to function.

“The gates can easily be rolled to new positions.”

SOUND POSITION

FRENCH FINANCIAL STATUS PREPARED FOR LONG WAR (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) PARIS, Oct. 31 The Minister of Finance, M. Paul Reynaud, in the course of a speech to-day, said: “We must prepare for a long war. Our financial strength is sufficient. The return of capital which started a year ago has been continuous since

the war began and our reserves are greater now than at the outbreak ol hostilities.” NOT IMPAIRED GERMAN CONFIDENCE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlgnt) (Received Nov. 2, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 1 The American Press learns from Berlin that the impression is prevailing that Germany is ready for a more positive initiative.

Informed circles in Berlin say neither Molotoff’s speech nor the Italian Cabinet reshuffle harms the German cause.

SALES IN AUCKLAND (By Telegraph.—Press Association) AUCKLAND, Thursday Sales were reported at the morning call on the Stock Exchange as follows: National Bank, 425. Bank of New South Wales, £29 17s 6d. Dunlop Perdriau, 21s. Morts Duck, 18s. Taranaki Oilfields (2), 5s 6d. Woolworths (N.Z.), 18s. Emperor, Us 6d. Inscribed Stock, 15/1/53-57, £92' 15//5/54-58, £97 15s. Noon Call Bank of New Zealand, 40s. Auckland Gas, 15s 3d. Electro Zinc, 62s 3d. British Tobacco, 525.