TROUBLED DAYS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 203, 29 August 1939, Page 9

TROUBLED DAYS.

SMALLER POWERS.

Neutrality Of Belgium To

Be Respected.

HOLLAND AND HUNGARY ACT

United Press Association.—Copyright.

(Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, August 28.

A message from Brussels says that the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Clive, handed over to King Leopold Britain's Note unconditionally respecting Belgium's neutrality. Similar assurances have already been given by the German authorities.

The second stage of mobilisation has been ordered in Belgium. The export of foodstuffs, raw materials, iron, ammunition and hides has been prohibited.

Queen Wilhelmina, broadcasting to the nation, announced that the gravity of the situation necessitated mobilisation, but counselled her hearers not to abandon hope for peace while the negotiations continued.

She added: "Holland will observe strict neutrality. No party to the hostilities will drag her into war. We must use our full strength to maintain our neutrality and security. I know my people will do their duty. I think of every son and every father in this regard. Our women will be ready to make the sacrifice. All will be united in the spirit of unity. I count on that."

The Netherlands Government has proclaimed general mobilisation of the land and sea forces.

An Amsterdam message states that the bank rate has been trebled and is now 3 per cent.

British ships are leaving Rotterdam without unloading. The Batavier Line to Harwich has been suspended. It is officially announced that in order to be fully prepared for all emergencies, says a message from Amsterdam, the Dutch Government has decided to guard its neutrality on all sides against all other parties, consequently it has thought it necessary to order mobilisation of the Army and Navy.

The Government appeals to the nation to bear its difficulties calmly.

At Budapest the Supreme Defence Council of Hungary met to consider defence measures in the event of an emergency.

The Government of Switzerland has ordered mobilisation of troops and frontier patrol from 4 a.m. to-morrow.

A message from Kaunas says the Baltic States are stated to be apprehensive of Germany's intentions. All inquiries in diplomatic circles for reaffirmation of the neutrality guarantees similar to those given Belgium, Holland and Switzerland are meeting with evasive replies.

The Bank of Finland, in order to safeguard Finnish currency, has released it from sterling, says a message from Helsingfors.