TENSION AT TUNIS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 51, 2 March 1939, Page 7

TENSION AT TUNIS

DISCOVERY AT ITALIAN SCHOOL LARGE CACHE OF ARMS Strong Armed Forces in North Africa (Independent Cable Service.) Received March 2, 1 a.m. - TUNIS, March 1. A large cache of arms was found at the Italian school at Maxula Rades, near Tunis, and the school was immediately closed f and occupied by troops. It is estimated that 140,000 crack troops are under arms in French North Africa and the reserves are enormous. The Italian strength in Libya is estimated at 100,000 lirst-class troops. Bizerta is an almost impregnable naval base.

“FULL STATE OF WAR”

TRENCHES ALLEGEDLY DUG IN STREETS REPORTS IN ITALIAN NEWSPAPERS ROME, Feb. 28. Italian newspapers state that Tunis is "in a full state of war.” Il Messagero declares that trenches have been dug in the streets, and armed sentries are posted at bridges and petrol depots.

ITALIANS REPATRIATED

MANY ARRIVE FROM FRANCE LONDON, Feb. 27. The Milan correspondent of Th€ Times says the first fruits of the scheme for repratriation of Italians from abroad was the return of 140 C Italians from France, who wen warmly greeted at the stations er route. The local authorities defrayed hotel accommodation, provided the children with toys and the adults with amusements. Turin has given employment to 43 heads of families. The remainder will be transported gratis tc their home towns.