INCREASING TENSION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 179, 8 May 1940, Page 5

INCREASING TENSION.

PRECAUTIONS BY HOLLAND, FEARS OF HOSTILE LANDING* (Received This Day, 1 p.m.) LONDON, May 7. The cancellation of all leave in Holland surprised the public and afforded concrete evidence of the increasing tension in Germany’s neighbours. An official statement described the measure as precautionary in view of the increased uncertainty in the international situation. This is the first time since the outbreak of tbe war that all Dutch leave has been cancelled. It increases the number of mobilised troops by at least one-tenth. The order applies to workers in the war industry. Supplementary orders recalled to the colours two classes of marines specially trained for coastguard duties, and also announced that the'mouths of the Meuse and Rhine will bo closed to shipping between next Saturday and Monday. Traffic by water and on the roads in south-eastern Holland is prohibited for the same period. Reports fronj The Hague declare that observers arc discussing the possibility of a- landing on the Dutch coast being attempted. because the Allied navies are mainly occupied elsewhere. The Brussels correspondent of “The Times” says that in Holland the action is believed to bo partly due to reports of increased concentrations of German troops opposite the provinces of Groningen and Drenfjfc, also great military activity at Hamburg and other German ports on the North Sea, An official at the Belgian War Office declared: “We arc always alert, but there is no reason to suppose that we will follow the Dutch example although it is impossible to predict what will be necessary to-morrow or the day alter. The Belgians are convinced that the war will be won or lost in the west, therefore they are relieved that the Allies have not become too deeply involved in Norway. The German press is hinting at. the possibility of air raids against British shipyards.’ SOUTH AFRICAN INTERNED. SUPPORTER OF HERTZGG. (Received This Day, 10.10 a.m.) CAPE TOWN, May 7. It is reported from Johannesburg that Edbert Carl Hiemstra, a prominent supporter of General ITcrtzog and Dr. Malaiij has been arrested and interned.