WESTERN FRONT.

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20912, 18 September 1939, Page 8

WESTERN FRONT.

STUBBORN FRENCH

RAPID ADVANCE

AMERICAN OPINION

PROGRESS OF FIGHTING OPINION OF WRITERS ENEMY COUNTER-ATTACKS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 18, 3.50 p.m.) NEW YORK, Sept. 17 The Paris correspondent of the New York Times sa.'s that on part of the Germano-Luxemburg boundary the German counter-attacks last week were strongest in the vicinity of Perl and Neidriver, which arc in the sector nearest Luxemburg. The Maginot Line extends along the Franco-Luxetnbwg frontier. Responsible German writers in previous years advocated action against France by crossing the Rhine between Basle and Schaffhauseu. This is impossible at present, but it is reported from Basle that the Germans have closed the frontier, presumably concealing troop movements. The correspondent states that the continued arrival of German reinforcements dominates the situation on the west front. French headquarters confirm the surmise that they are from Poland, describing them as aviation and large units, implying several divisions. Recent French and German communiques contained every indication of preparation lor battle. The arrival of the new units has raised speculation concerning German intentions. Obviously they must attempt first to halt the French progress and save Saarbrucken, which is reported to bo on the point of falling. Secondly, they must wrest the Initiative from the French and drive them to the Maginot Line. Success would merely transfer elsewdiere the fight between the two walls whiah has been going on during the lest fortnight. It Is recognlsod that Maginot Is stronger then the West Wall, and it would bs a long slogs, In which the Germans would bo fighting time, because of tho economic situation. Fear of World War Experts imply that Germany may attack elsewhere than the Maginot Line necessitating the violation of the neutrality of one or more States and precipitating a second world war. Clearly Switzerland rejects any conditions attached to neutrality and Germany has guaranteed Belgian* neutrality providing no Power used Belgian territory as a base from which to attack Germany. Switzerland has mobilised and is watching particularly the valley of the Aar, a vulnerable route towards Geneva and threatening Lyons. Belgium will also mobilise, but Luxemburg is unarmed and undefended.

HOLDING TERRITORY GAINED STRONG ATTACK BY GERMANS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrtgbt) (Received Sept. 18, 3.10 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 17 The Paris correspondent of the American Press states that Germany has released German divisions from Poland almost simultaneously with the Russian invasion. The French are stubbornly holding the territory gained so far. The Germans are attacking an advanced French position in the neighbourhood of Perl.

SMALL FRENCH LOSSES HEAVY GERMAN BOMBARDMENT (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 18, 1 pin.) PARIS, Sept. 17 M. Daladier, after an Inspection of advanced positions on German soil, was impressed with the small proportion of French losses. Despite the German efforts to halt the French by artillery and land mines and the destruction of communication the rapid advance has continued.

PROBPECTB OF THE WAR AGAINST EARLY INTERVENTION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 18, 11 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 According to a survey by the American Institute of Public Opinion only 16 per cent of Americans are in favour of sending the Army and Navy against Germany at present, but 44 per cent want to intervene if Britain and France appear to be losing within the next few months. Eighfcy-two per cent believe that the Allies will win without American armed assistance, while 49 per cent think the war will end within a year. OFFERB OF HELP KING’S GRATEFUL THANKS .United Press Assn.—Elec. Tet. Copyright) (Received Sept. 18, 3 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 17 The King has sent a message to the House and Assembly of the Bahama*, in whom at all times, His Majesty said, ite lias lull confidence. The King has also signified his appreciation to the Legislative Council of the Seychelles for their loyal message