France makes army cutbacks

PARIS - France announced major streamlining of its armed forces yesterday, disbanding 38 regiments, closing barracks, army hospitals and air bases and retiring one of two aircraft carriers. The Defence Minister, Mr Charles Millon, said the plan, part of a shift to a smaller, all professional army, included a reduction of forces in Germany with units in 12 locations disbanded or transferred. It is thought the number of French soldiers in Germany could be cut from 20,000 to 3,000 in three years.