GREATEST FORTRESS IN THE WORLD

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2248, 7 September 1914, Page 5

GREATEST FORTRESS IN THE WORLD

GERMAN PLAN OF ATTACK ON PARIS CITY OUT OF RANGE OF SHELL FIRE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, September 4. Reports agree that Paris is the greatest fortress in the world. The city Js entirely encircled by sturdy forts and strong batteries. ■It is stated that the Germans' plan is to concentrate a hundred siege guns tipon six of the forts, reduce them, and then pour twenty thousand cavalry end a hundred, thousand infantry through the breach. An important personage in French military circles says that it is clear that an entrenched camp outside Paris will probably become the pivot for the 'Allies' military operations. Troopers will pass through the capital, making Bare that the lines of communication are intact. . ■ . . ', Spain has ordered her Ambassador to remain in Paris, because in 'the event of the Germans occupying the capital he will represent the Allies' interests. The entrenchments of Paris extend from Chelles to Marly, and from Domont to Palaiseau, while the ring formed by the outlying forts is a hundred miles in circumference. The whole of these outer works .-'lie eight'miles from the , boundaries of the city, and it is therefore claimed that the Germans will be unable to throw shells into the capital. An observer upon the third platform of the Eiffel Tower could easily watch the enemy's movements.—("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) . ~ . : Ottawa, September 5. The Canadian Cabinet makes no secret of the Allies' retreat'to Paris, Vvhich was carried out exactly as intended, and expects favourable news of the lAllies shortly. • ~ MILITARY SITUATION PRACTICALLY UNCHANGED. (Reo. September 6, 5.5 p.m.) London, September 4, evening. The Press Bureau reports that the situation in the French theatre of war has undergone no substantial change. The Allies' position is well maintained, and there are indication's of a German advance in an eastward-south-eastward direction. ; ' ■ Paris, September .5. An official communique 6tates that the movements of the opposing armies butside Paris continue without any attempt by the enemy against the different French positions. • ■ \ GERMAN ARMIES CONVERGING BEYOND PARIS.^ (Rec. September 6, 5.6.p.m.) . _ Paris, September 5. Official.—The Germans are carrying out wide converging movements, leaving Pans on the right. The south-easterly march continues. Official. —The movements of the opposing armies near Paris continue, contact being maintained. The Germans have sustained checks in the Verdun Tegion. The French have had fresh partial euccesses in Lorraine, and the •Vosges. The general situation is little changed. Bordeaux, September 5. Official.—On the French loft the Germans, neglecting Paris, attempted an outflanking Movement, and readied La Ferte-sous-Jouarre having passed Reims, proceeding to the West Argonne ridge. The movement did not achieve its object. ( Reims (or Rh'eims) is an important town distant 80 miles E.N.E. from Paris. La Ferte-sous-Jouari'o is a smallor place, about 42 miles E., and a little N. of Paris.

(Rec. September 7, 0.65 a.m.) ■ . Paris, September 6, morning. _ Official.—The Germane are going further from Paris, and are continuing their movement south-east, which was commenced on. Thursday." They are ovacuating the region of Campiegne and Senlis. The situation of French left is unchanged. The outflanking movement seems to hayo been averted. The bombardment of Maubeuge continuos, the town resisting well.