GERMAN THREATS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 33, 18 November 1939, Page 5

GERMAN THREATS.

NO REPLY BY BRITAIN. NAZIS MAY REGRET ACTIONS. (Received. This Day,- 9.40 a.in.) LONDON, November 17. Foreign Office officials explain that it is not Britain’s practice to reply in kind to German threats, for example, Heir von Ribbentrop’s “truly horrible war.” Germans habitually talk this way. Likewise it is contrary to British national character to reveal beforehand counter-measures which will operate in the' event of Germany fulfilling her blood-curdling threats. If the Germans break the rides of war .by, say, bombing open towns, international law provides that the victim may retaliate. Similarly it is recalled that in the Great War Germany used gas first and regretted it later. She would likewise regret such action in this war, remembering that prevailing south-westerly winds favour the 'Allies.

BRITISH ARMY IN FRANCE. 9 VISIT BY WAR SECRETARY. (Received This Day, 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, November 17. The Secretary of State for War (Mr Hore-Belisha) flew to France to inspect the British armies, including that part of the Maginot Line under Viscount Oort’s command. He will also visit the French front and hold conferences with M. Daladier and Marshal Oamelin in Paris on Monday. THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER. HOME ON FEW DAYS’ LEAVE. S (Received This Day, p.m.) LONDON, November 17. Major-General the Duke of Gloucester, who is attached to headquarters in France, has arrived here on a few days’ leave.