Parched Swiss invade French in search of water, ends badly
Digital Reporter
Tuesday, July 28, 2015, 12:58 PM - Swiss officials were forced to apologize to their French neighbours this week, as it appeared the small alpine country raided a cross-border lake.
What where they after? Just water ... which is a precious commodity in that part of Europe thanks to soaring temperatures and lack of rainfall.
Specifically, Swiss army helicopters went across the border into the French region of Franche-Comte, to draw water from Lac-les-Rousses, to the bewilderment of people who were bathing and relaxing in and on the lake.
The Telegraph says the helicopters did this 15 times over several hours before French regional authorities contacted their Swiss counterparts, who ordered a halt to the operation.
Photo: Getty Images/File Photo
The French were understandably upset, as the Swiss had neither asked permission nor given advance warning. In an apology issued by officials in the Swiss canton of Vaud, it seems the military misinterpreted a a bilateral agreement which allows the Swiss air force to overfly French territory, but does not allow them to raid French lakes (the Swiss reportedly offered compensation).
It was especially grating for people in that part of France, who have suffered severe water restrictions amid temperatures well into the 30s.
Heat waves and droughts don't pay much attention to borders, however, and the Swiss operation was intended to provide water to dairy cows in parched areas of Switzerland.
SOURCES: The Telegraph | France24