WESTERN FRONT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 December 1939, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT

RENEWAL OF ACTIVITY WITH RETURN OF FINE WEATHER. FRENCH SECURE VALUABLE INFORMATION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON. December 7. The Frenchsadvance positions withstood repeated shocks from German patrols over the entire front, reports the Paris correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain. The Germans faltered in the face of intense fire and started entrenching, in 'no-man’s-land, but were dislodged by artillery and infantry. < The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says the return of fine weather led to renewed activity. The German patrols were more numerous and French battalions were also active and made several raids, securing most valuable information. The French are strengthening the defences from the Swiss frontier to the sea coast near Dunkirk, in many places duplicating the Maginot Line. A night communique says: “A quiet day with patrols active on. either side and infantry fire along the Rhine.” A morning communique says that there was marked overnight activity by patrols on cither side and subsequent artillery reaction. DOUBLE PURPOSE SERVED BY MAGINOT LINE.PIVOT ON WHICH TO MANOEUVRE LONDON, December 7. Commenting on a French authorised commentary issued today, Mr Archambault, the Paris correspondent of the New York Times, says: "It means, firstly, tiiat the Maginot Line now serves fully its double purpose —a bulwark to withstand the enemy and a pivot on which to manoeuvre. Also what is infinitely more important, the Allied High Command, despite the strategic withdrawal on October 16. did not mean to relinquish the initiative. This confirms indications that the war is likely to end only by a decisive battle. . The psychological effect of the announcement must be great."