The Auckland Star. WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, The Echo and The Sun. TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1940. HOLLAND NEXT?

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 13, 16 January 1940, Page 6

The Auckland Star. WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, The Echo and The Sun.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 1940. HOLLAND NEXT?

For the cause that lacks assistance, for the wrong that needs resistance, Fcr the future in the distance, And the good that tee can do.

Ju.-t us no one knows for certain whether Hitler intended to invade Holland or Belgium, or both, last November, so no one can know whether the present threat will be followed by action —until the event. Germany occupies a central or interior position, and is able to concentrate forces jit places ot' her choosing. The intention may be to keep the Allies and the Miinll neutral countries in a >tate of uncertainty, to bluff and bluff again, and finally, it' defensive

piecautions appear to have been relaxed, to strike at a point where attack is expected least. This .-peculation of course assumes that the Nazis know what they want to do, and have agreed among themselves and with the Army command as to how and when it should be done. The assumption is probably unjustified. At no stage in the Nazis' predatory career have Hitler's counsellors been unanimous. Several of his major and successful strokes were, it is believed, delivered at his orders against the advice of the Army leaders. The fact that his judgment was proved correct has of course strengthened his prestige and his self-confidence. So now it may be that Hitler, impatient of delay, irked by the failure of his submarine and mine campaigns, acutely aware that the strength of the Allies is growing steadily, has listened to those who have convinced themselves that now is the time to invade the Low Countries. The temptation must be great to a man in his desperate position and of his temperament.

Whether attack be intended, or merely an intimidatory bluff, the Allies are taking no chances. The cancellation of leave in the British Army has been followed by a similar cancellation in the Royal Air Force. These steps were not taken in November. In addition, the preparations inade in the Low Countries, particularly in Belgium, appear to have gone beyond the point reached in November. It is therefore certain that an attack, if it comes, will be without the advantageous djrenmataneea which the German •rmlM enjoyed in 1014. There will be no surprise, and defending armies will be ready in prepared positions of great strength. Whether the utmOHt that the Dutch or the Belgians oould do would avail for long to hold 'np the attack is, of course, a question whieh only the event could answer. They would be encouraged by the astonishing success of the Finns in reaittting the aggression of an enemy apparently overwhelmingly strong— but a* a military machine the Russian Army is not to be compared with the Qerman. Meanwhile, the expectation will be strong that if the Nazis do invade the Low Countries diplomatic and military developments of the first importance will speedily follow.