FRENCH CONSOLIDATE GAINS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20052, 26 September 1939, Page 7

FRENCH CONSOLIDATE GAINS

Brussels Mayor Sounds Warning Note WILL NOT BE IMPRESSED BY THREATS Italian Impatience With Anglo-Frenoh Stand (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Sept. 25, 3 p.m.) LONDON, Sept, 24. The Paris correspondent of the Associated Press of Croat Britain says that the French admit the German attacks on the Western Front are increasing in strength although they do not believe the Nazi forces are yet heavily augmented. The French penetration of German territory has been halted in order to consolidate the gains. The German divisions on tins front are estimated to total 300,000 men, excluding motorised divisions. Basle reports that German troop movements continue north of Basle, German planes frequently fly over the frontier taking stock. The Brussels correspondent of The Times says that the Burgomaster of Brussels, M. Adolphe Max, in leading the commemoration of the Belgian revolution of 1830, declared: “We are determined to resist any new violation of our territory and will not allow* ourselves to be impressed by threats.” Reuter’s representative at Brussels says that the defences are camouflaged. Artillery and machine-guns .arc strongly installed and permanently manned at the Belgian frontier rbitds. A correspondent of the Paris paper, Le Soil’, on the Belgian-German frontier near Saintvith, describes unusual quietude in Germany where villages are deserted. The Germans are still working to complete the Siegfried Line. Twenty German soldiers to whom the correspondent spoke did not know of the French offensive and were completely ignorant regarding the war. They were convinced that normal conditions would return within a week. The Rome correspondent of The Times states that the Italian peace offensive was rekindled after the Duce’s speech. Strong' sympathy for Germany still exists in influential Italian circles. There is also increasing impatience with England and France owing to their alleged unwillingness to “recognise realities.” The Italian newspapers are trying’ to enlist neutrals and remind them that Italian intervention Would entail a warlike upheaval-in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. In the meantime Italy is increasing her military preparations.