PREPARATIONS IN THE WEST AND ELSEWHERE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 September 1939, Page 5

PREPARATIONS IN THE WEST AND ELSEWHERE

Suspected Threat to Neutral States GERMANY SAID TO BE MATURING PEACE OFFENSIVE WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF ITALY AND RUSSIA " (By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.) NEW YORK. September 17. The Paris correspondent ol ! the “New York Times” states that the continued arrival of German reinforcements dominates the situation on the Western Front. French headquarters confirm the surmise that they are from Poland. Recent French and German communiques have contained every indication of preparation for a battle. The arrival of new units has raised speculation as to the German intentions. Obviously the Germans must attempt first of all to halt the French progress and save Saarbrucken, which is reported to be on the point of falling, and, secondly, wrest the initiative from the French and drive them to the Maginot Line. Their success would merely transfer elsewhere the fight between the two walls which has been going on for the past fortnight. . It is recognised that the Maginot Line is stronger than the West Wall and there would be a long siege, in which the Germans would be fighting against time, because of their economic situation. French military experts imply that Germany may attack elsewhere than at the Maginot Line, necessitating violation of the neutrality of one or more States and precipitating a second world war. . Clearly Switzerland rejects any conditions attached to her neutrality. Germany guaranteed the Belgian neutrality providing no power used Belgian territory as a base from which to prepare for an attack.on Germany. It is significant 'concerning this that the British Minis! ry of Information has announced that there are rumours from German sources in Belgium that there is imminent danger of a British landing on the Belgian coast. Switzerland has mobilised and is watching particularly the Valley of Aar, which is a vulnerable route to Geneva, threatening Lyons. Belgium also has mobilised but Luxemburg is unarmed and undefended and very nervous. The German counter-attacks have been strongest on the sector nearest to Luxemburg. It will be remembered that the Maginot Line extends along the Franco-Luxemburg frontier. Responsible German writers last year advocated a “Blitzkrieg” (lightning war) against France by crossing the Rhine between Basle and Schaffhausen. This would be impossible at present, but it is reported from Basle that the Germans have closed the frontier, presumably concealing troop movements. The American United Press Berlin correspondent says an uncensored report from Amsterdam states that there is no question that Germany is planning - a strong - “peace offensive” when the Russians and Germans have conquered Poland. Herr Hitler, M. Stalin and Signor Mussolini are believed to have agreed on a plan the details of which are subject to change according - to developments. It broadly provides for an early transfer of the majority of the 70 German divisions and air force from Poland to the Italo-German frontier, enabling Italy to serve on Britain and France peace proposals amounting to an ultimatum. Japan is expected to give general support with an implied threat to move against Britain and France in Eastern Asia if the European War continues. The Germans believe that the triple threat will incline Britain to accept a reasonable general settlement, possibly giving Poland sovereignty over a central area, and they add that they will not demand colonie.s except by bargaining.