PEACE IN THE SAHARA

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 932, 27 March 1930, Page 14

PEACE IN THE SAHARA

HOW FRANCE KEEPS ORDER IN DESERT SMALL MILITARY FORCE How France with a handful of troops and a minimum of expense keeps peace in the Sahara desert and makes possible the reclamation of new trade territory on its borders is explained by General de Chambrun, who is stationed at Tunis, following a tour of the advance posts of the desert. General de Chambrun was accompanied by Resident General Maneeron, of Tunis, and Mme. Manceron with a party of other high officials and their wives. The tour was made in automobiles. Secure for Trade “The organisation of the securitv of our frontiers is complete,” General de Chambrun stated. “Travellers may now venture into the desert in complete security. “To understand the military organisation of Tunis, one must consider the country divided into three zones. First, the rear zone, the whole northern and central part of Tunis. It is rich; it is civilised. “Then comes the intermediate zone, where wealth can be created by work. But to work, the workman must be secure. Desert Zone Patrolled “It is to assure the security of this intermediate zone that the third zone, the desert zone, must be patrolled! That is the work of our “Saharans.’ “Along our frontier we maintain a chain of advance posts. They are linked by radio and by good roads, travelled daily by automobiles. Wells have been drilled to supply water for themselves and caravans Another chain reaches all the way from Southern Algeria across the desert to our colony in Niberia. “With a handful of men and an infinitesimal expense, it has been possible to pacify this vast area. Thanks to them, the Sahara i 3 now safe.”

GRAND THEATRE Enjoyable double-feature film programmes continue to be shown at the Grand Theatre. The two current attractions, which will have their final presentation this evening, are “The Girl in the Glass Case,” a talkie starring Lorette Young, and “Land of the Silver Fox,” starring Rin-Tin-Tin. From tomorrow an entirely new programme will be presented. The new pictures, both of which are outstanding. are “Madonna of Avenue A,” and a comed-y entitled “Fancy Baggage.”