Berlin, May 21.
Some of the secrets of Germany's Eastern and Westerh fortifications sre divulged in the German press for the first time this morning. In an article appearing in the "Voelkischer Beobachter" under the heading "Germany's fortifications in East and West" Lieut-General von Wedd, member of the general staff, avers that "no soldier of an attacking power will get through this bulwark into German territory. The frontier troops formed to man and maintain the entire fortifications will be permanently stationed there in order to be especially trained in their use. A series of fortification exercises undertaken by these formations will give the assurance that the western rampart, manned by picked and highly-trained troops will be fully prepared to ward off an attack at a moments notice. Our security against attacks from the West-is therefore guaranteed."
Turning to the problem of Germbny's eastern fortifications, Gen. von Wedd writes: "Provision has of defensive power has already been created in the East in the shape of fortifications.
"An additional system of fortifications has arisen to defend the Silesian area, the German capital and Pomerania. East Prussia, being patticularly menaced, may be regarded as just one big fortress. It stands to reason that here in the East too requisite fortress troops have been created to man and maintain the military establishments as peacetime formations."
Continuing, the German staff officer remarks: "We have not failed to hear the outbursts of Polish chauvmists who have been shouting for the conquest of East Prussia, Silesia and Pomerica. Politicians shouting such disastrous notions might all too readily stir up the fanatical section of the Polish nations to commit an act of madness. For this reason, the defence power of the Eastern fortifications will be within the shortest period of time made equal to those of the Western rampart.
5,000 Craft Displayed on Empire Air Day London, May 21.
A private air demonstration to acquaint members of both House of Parliament and other distinguished visitors with latest developments in Royal Air Force aircraft and equipment will be given on Tuesday at Northol This wil include a display of some of the newest types of British service aircraft not so far been shown in public.
About 5000 Royal Air Force and civil aircraft were flying, or on the ground for inspection, yesterday afternoon at 63 RAF. and 15 civil aerodromes open to the public in celebration of Empire Air Day. Apart from a large number of machines on view, the occasion was remarkable for a very strong representation of the latest high-speed types.
Aerodromes, where machines of these types are not permanently stationed, received visits from them during the day.
Familiar items, such as air drill, were this year performed on. these high-speed types. At many displays, air combats between squadrons took place—Wireless through Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.