RETREAT OF GERMANS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20911, 16 September 1939, Page 7

RETREAT OF GERMANS

ON THE WESTERN FRONT FRENCH DEFEAT ENEMY’S AIR FLEET TROOPS REACH OUTPOSTS OF SIEGFRIED LINE (United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 16, 11 a.m.) PARIS, Sept. 15 A communique states: “The operations during the-past few days have enabled us to assure possession of ground in the region north-east of Sierck, which has been contested since the German offensive was announced on September 10. We, moreover, have advanced beyond this ground. “During the night we effected a local improvement in our front line despite strong enemy reaction, especially by the artillery.” LUXEMBOURG, Sept. 15 The Germans blew up a bridge connecting Perl and Schengen. Observers in southern Limbourg said that the Germans are evacuating areas in the proximity of the Belgian border. NEW YORK, Sept 15 The Paris correspondent of the American Press states that unofficial reports announce that the Germans are retreating slowly from the advance at Posipons in the Moselle valley, and all along the northern flank of the western front. A German Army communique admits that German territory east of Saarbrucken to Pirmasens was shelled, but claimed that the enemy were driven back. A German short-wave station broadcast: “On the western front a strong French force has reached the outposts of the Siegfried Line.” The French High Command has announced that the German air fleet was defeated in a battle low over the front lines on the western front.

FRENCH ADVANCE GUNS OF SIEGFRIED LINE HAMMERING OF TOWNS MAJOR DRIVE CONTEMPLATED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 15 The guns of the Siegfried Line are hammering towns, highways and positions behind the French lines around Saarbrucken in anticipation of a largescale Allied offensive, according to a semi-official despatch published in the Petit Parisien. The despatch states that the German heavy artillery has been sending down a heavy barrage for 36 hours. British and French troops ploughed their way through mud when moving into positions for a major drive against the Siegfried Line, behind which nearly 2,000,000 German troops are reported to be massing. A French communique states that the French forces have been able to improve their positions, in spite of German resistance and heavy shelling. Two German villages have been occupied. The French claim to have advanced beyond the limits of their first gains. The Paris correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says the Germans are reported to be retreating from advanced positions in front of Saarbrucken, with the motorised French advance guards close on their heels and taking prisoners as they are advancing. Saarbrucken Cut Off According to the Paris radio, the French have cut off Saarbrucken by the capture of the important strategic point of Politz. Artillery is now in position, enabling domination of the communications between Saarbrucken and Germany. An American correspondent in Paris says German reinforcements are massing behind Saarbrucken to avert its capture. It is also reported that French aeroplanes are busy bombing heavy German artillery rushed to the Saar Valley to stem the French advance. The French now occupy German territory along a 90-mile front from the Moselle to the Rhine. It is stated in Brussels that the French troops launched an offensive near Perl, in the Moselle district, on j the extreme west of the Franco-Ger-man frontier and occupied the German villages of Apach and Maimuhlen. Watchers from Luxembourg saw French tanks move Into action. Eight were clearly seen advancing toward the German lines and compelling the Germans to withdraw. Rain is falling on the Western Front and is calculated to hinder operations because overcast skies halt the air force reconnaissances. This is why the artillery at present is the most active arm. BRITISH PARLIAMENT TO MEET ON WEDNESDAY ONLY TWO DAYS A WEEK (Official Wireless) (Received Sept. 10, 11 a.in.) RUGBY, Sept. 15 The 'House of Commons will meet on Wednesday and Thursday, and the newspapers anticipate that for the present sittings will be held Only on two or at most three days weekly.

FRENCH PROGRESS POSITIONS STRENGTHENED GERMAN PLANES REPULSED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 16, 1.15 p.m.) PARIS, Sept. 15 An official communique states: — “We have strengthened the positions taken in previous days, and repelled counter-attacks, inflicting losses on the enemy. “There has been strong reaction by the enemy aircraft and artillery on part of the front. “Our pursuit planes repulsed enemy machines, which attacked our front lines at a low altitude.” The Paris correspondent of the Times states it is evident from the continuous violent activity of heavy guns that the Germans are taking the movement most seriously and doing their utmost to hamper it by shelling the lines of communication and likely assembly points. Many German planes from the Polish front are reported to be appearing in the west. BRITAIN’S THANKS STAND BY DOMINfON PROMPT AND EFFECTIVE ACTION (By Telear.ph. —Pr... Association) WELLINGTON, Saturday The Government has received a cablegram from the High Commissioner, Mr W. J. Jordan, conveying through the Dominions Secretary, Mr Anthony Edan, Great Britain’s warm appreciation and gratitude to the Government and people of New Zealand for the prompt and effective action taken to meet the situation arising out of the present International crisis. ITALIAN COMMENT PRAISE OF FRENCH TROOPS THREAT TO SAARBRUCKEN MANY PLANES BROUGHT DOWN (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 15 The Paris correspondent of an Italian newspaper praises the French troops and their morale. He says that Saarbrucken is seriously threatened and that many German aeroplanes have been brought down. WAR FINANCE CHECKING PROFITEERS FRENCH DEGREES | (United Press Assn.—Elcc. Tel. Copyright) j (Received Sept. 16. 2.30 p.m.) PARIS, Sept. 15 The Government's measures for checking profiteers provide that profits above a maximum of the linns engaged in national defence will go to the State. The maximum su far is not announced. It will vary for different industries, but will not apply to export firms, when profits exceed the normal return. A capital war tax Is I applied on a rising scale, reaching 100 | per ceul above a fixed maximum.