STATE OF WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20743, 1 March 1939, Page 7

STATE OF WAR

CONDITIONS IN TUNIS TRENCHES IN THE STREET ARMED SENTRIES POSTED United PreM Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received March 1, 1 p.m.) ROME, Feb. 28 Italian newspapers state that Tunis is “in a full state of war.” II Messagero declares that trenches have been dug in the streets and armed sentries have been posted on bridges and petrol depots. RETURN FROM FRANCE REPATRIATION OF ITALIANS FIRST FRUITS OF SCHEME (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright LONDON, Feb. 28 The flrst fruits of the scheme for the repatriation of - Italians from abroad was the return of 1400 Italians from France, who were warmly greeted at stations en route, says the Milan correspondent of the Times. The local authorities defrayed their hotel accommodation and provided the children with toys and the adults with .amusements. city of Turin has given employment to 4*3 heads of families, and the remainder will be transported gratis to their home towns. A second batch is expected to-day and a third to-mor-row. TROOPS FOR ALGERIA DEFENCE OF FRENCH EMPIRE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) PARIS, Feb. 28 Units of the French Air Force at present at Chartres, near Paris, are going to Algeria to-day as reinforcements, says Le Petit Journal. The presence of numerous fast chaser aeroplanes in important North African centres demonstrates France's concern for the defence of her Empire. An Independent Cable Service message from Paris says the increasing importance of happenings in the East is evidenced by the decision to levies of 50,000 men in French bringing the total armed :<j l'w.uuu. of 50 pursuit aeroplanes ordered from Holland will be sent to Indo-China and the rest to Jibouti, where the anti-aircraft forces are being strengthened. M. Mandel, Minister for Air, has ordered the construction of an aeroplane factory at Hanoi.