AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Notes from Paris.

22nd June 1916, Page 22
22nd June 1916
Page 22
Page 22, 22nd June 1916 — Notes from Paris.
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Endeavours are being made by agents for American lorries in France to secure .0, repeal of the prohibition law as it applies to the importation of commercial vehicles. While there is very little possibility of this effort succeeding, doubtless most agents would be satisfied if they could obtain permits to import lorries for firms working on army contracts. It is pointed out that probably 90 per cent, of the orders now in hand are for firms engaged on Government work, and to withhold lorries would be indirectly detrimental to the army. The manufacturers' reply to this argument is that lorries can now be hired, by the day, week, or month, from the French army if Government contracts are being executed. Agents try to prove that the rates are too high.

Spares Likely to be Scarce.

One point which has not been settled under the new decree is what evidence will be required to prove that lorries were under order when the .prohibition of importation law went into force. Foreseeing the danger, some agents cabled to America orders for inslimited numbers of lorries. It is not known iwhether such covering orders, filed by the agent's representative in New York, will be accepted, or whether the more definite orders which can be proved by correspondence fzom France will be admitted to the exclusion of all -others. From the aaents' standpoint the outlook is not bright. Generally, stocks in hand or on order are sufficient for a couple of months, after which no more, business can be done. Spare parts have not yet been included in the list of pro n58 hibited articles, but the impression is that this is merely an oversight and that they will be included in a further decree. Owners of American lorries are not in a very satisfactory situation. There is undoubtedly a fairly strong demand for lorries at the present time, but the French manufacturers are such an influential group that they can convince the Government of the necessity of keeping out foreign invaders. Naturally the whole of their influence will be brought to bear against any atternyt to secure even a partial admission of American lorries into France Motor Service Around Verdun.

It is quite clear that the French general staff did not -wait until the Germans took the offensive at Verdun before organizing the wonderful motor transport service for the district, which covers, roughly, 75 square kilometres. They realized quite early that the railways might be out by the enemy, and for that reason motors would have to he retied upon. A commission was appointed which had the handling of about 200 auto-sections and consisting of about 300 officers, 8500 men and 4600 vehicles. It was arranged first of all that the roads to Verdun should be reserved only for the transport. Each lorry was to carry its load to its final destination. Also a special company was detailed to the upkeep of the roads. The whole arrangement started at 12 o'clock on 22nd February.' From that date until 7th March, a period of 15 days, 22,500 tons of ammunition were transported and delivered at given points. The ground covered each day per vehicle was 135 kilometres.

Tags

Organisations: French army, army
Locations: Paris, New York

comments powered by Disqus