FRENCH STRENGTH

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20096, 16 November 1939, Page 5

FRENCH STRENGTH

| EMPIRE TRIBUTES VISITORS IMPRESSED ALERTNESS OF DEFENCE PRESENTATION OF BADGE I “THEY SHALL NOT PASS” . (Kli'c. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Rood. Nov. IG, 10 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 15. The special representative of the Associated Press of Great Britain reports that the Australian Alinister, Mr. R. G. Casey, the New Zealand Minister, Air. P. Fraser, and other of the Empire delegates to the discussions on defence explored the Maginot Line throughout the day.

Thick fog shrouded the area and the German positions, half a mile distant, were barely visible. No shells were fired during the visit, this contrasting with the previous night when 1000 shells were exchanged on this sector. The Empire delegates throughout the tour have not seen a shot fired in anger.

Confidence Inspired

The strength of the front line and the efficiency and alertness of the officers and men were most.impressive and inspired confidence. The talk of the French officers was always of tanks and methods of defeating them.

The Alinisters were given a rousing reception at a British aerodrome. Pilots described the manner in which the most recent German victim was brought down and showed the Ministers trophies of air battles.

The Dominions Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden, said: “The visit to the Alagmot Line compels realisation of how much we owe to France”

The Ministers lunched in fortifications 175 ft. underground. Mr. Casey bought cigarettes at a canteen 150 ft down.

A French Army officer at the lunch table pinned his troop’s badge on the lapel of Mr. Eden’s coat and made similar gifts to other Ministers. The badge is inscribed: “They shall not pass ”

Return to England

The Empire Ministers landed at a Channel port from France.

Mr. Eden, in a statement, said: “We were impressed more than ever with the strength of the defences ol France and the preparedness of the army.”

The officer commanding the sector which the Empire Ministers visitec. stated that France at times was misunderstood and depicted as fickle and frivolous, but she had tenacity second only to that of Britain. The Allies would hold on until the final triumph. Mr. Eden replied that England and the Dominions were resolved that future generations would be spared :. recurrence of Teutonic fury. GRACIE FIELDS’ VISIT (Reed. Nov. 16, 9 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 15: The actress, Gracie Fields entertain:

the troops to-night “somewhere in France.’’