map of luxembourg
the outbreak of world war ii on 1 september 1939 put luxembourg’s government in delicate situation. on 1 hand, population’s sympathy lay belgium , france; on other hand, due country s policy of neutrality since 1867 s treaty of london, government adopted careful non-belligerent stance towards neighbours. of 1 september, radio luxembourg stopped broadcasting. in spring 1940, fortifications erected along borders germany , france. so-called schuster line, named after constructor, consisted of massive concrete roadblocks steel doors. official aim of these road blocks slow down progress of invading army , give time guarantors of luxembourg s neutrality take counteractions against invaders. however, compared massive power of german forces, had symbolic character , helped calm down population. except small corps des gendarmes et volontaires, luxembourg did not possess army, due treaty s restrictions.
after several false alarms in spring of 1940, probability of military conflict between germany , france grew. germany stopped export of coke luxembourgish steel industry.
Comments
Post a Comment