Show canal zone ready for fo r all comers panama jungles now huge armed camp by CHARLES A SINGLE R nele released asid by western newspaper V union alon canal zone is one of OUR the hottest spots in the western hemisphere shere both meteorologically and strategically gi cally and is becoming increasingly crea singly hotter as the war wears on and the possibilities biliti bili ties cs of an enemy thrust by land or sea or by both b oth become more imminent the panama canal is not only our proudest national possession but a vital link in the U S chain of defense fortifications little wonder then that the eyes of europe asia and all america are turned towards this narrow but important waterway which military forethought and engineering skill provided for our nation some twenty seven years ago the canal zone Is 60 50 miles long and about 10 miles wide approximately 05 95 square miles of this Is under water the canal itself is about 34 miles in length and 87 feet high deep jungle growths crowd densely upon all sides furnishing ideal concealment lor for gun ments all Is on the alert in these lush steaming jungles where there seems to be no life except that of the countless strange birds and jungle animals that live by the code of tooth and claw there are many eyes watching all on the alert here brave U S boys are waiting lor for the planes to come and somehow or other hoping that maybe they will to relieve the deadly monotony of life in the deep jungle here under the concealing drapery of leaves and branches great naval rifles point forever out to sea with their silent threat to all who may come that way unbidden these great 16 inch coastal defense rifles outrange out range the guns of most battleships practice is constantly going on mostly with the use of dud loads tor for uncle sam cannot afford to waste costly ammunition or the precious rifling of these big guns on a harm harmless lebS sea and md here under the same friendly foliage ack ack guns bristle towards the sky a hidden challenge to any air armada or lone enemy bomber which may be rash enough to venture near the canal jungle foliage also conceals cool hideouts for gunners caves in which long gleaming rows of shells some of them inscribed with loving names for the enemy await the day or night when the call for action comes in these caves the day is 24 hours long during all this time gun crews stand on the alert ready to pour a hot welcome into the sullen jungle skies during the off periods the men repair to more comfortable barracks ban achs completely camouflaged to gain th the e needed exercise and recreation underground cities in the panama canal zone are also secret island fortresses where underground cities carved from sheer rock offer a threat to the would be invader switchboards have been installed and nd when the time comes if it should tons of red hot trouble will pour from these fortresses to make the invader wish he had stayed closer to home not only does the jungle shroud great naval and antiaircraft anti aircraft guns ready for instant action but also hidden airdromes aird romes full of planes poised A 01 2 I 1 A diio view of a ship in the locks showing in the foreground the restricted lock gate fate mechanism |