IMPORTANT GAINS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20040, 12 September 1939, Page 5

IMPORTANT GAINS

DRIVE BY FRENCH WEST WALL, WORKS VITAL POINTS SOUGHT AVOIDING FLANK FIRE (Reed. Sept. 12, 9 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 10. The Paris correspondent of the New York Times *■ says important French gains can be gauged by the fact that the first-line troops at several points are at the advanced West Wall works, which are the ultimate objective. It is logical that any German counter offensive, as distinct from a counter-attack, will come in the west where it is rumoured that the West Wall may be the weakest. Forced back on the left and in the centre, the Germans might hope to relieve the pressure by attacking on the right. It is noteworthy that a German communique mentions advanced works, claiming that the French are far behind them, which undoubtedly they are at some points, for the fiont is not straight. The attackers’ aim is to secure vital points, escape flanking fire and organise the conquered positions to facilitate their advance. The French command portions of the Laute River and the Saar River, the importance of which lies in the fact that crossroads and rail junctions cross the Saar between Wolklingen and Wadgassen. During their methodical advance, the French heavy artillery have been pounding the West Wall to test its solidity, while aeroplanes constantly fly over it, photographing it.