SITUATION EASIER IN LOW COUNTRIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 15, 18 January 1940, Page 7

SITUATION EASIER IN LOW COUNTRIES.

ISO NEW MOVES. British Army Chief Promises Support. "IF BELGIUM IS ATTACKED." United I'r<>ss Assocln t ion.—Copyright. (Received 11 n.m.) LONDON, January 17. "Belgian mobilisation will be maintained for some time vet. We must always be on the alert," said General Denis, Belgian Defence Minister, in an in'erview at Brussels. ' The 1 inuish war has proved we are right, in our armaments. No country is better equipped agninst tanks, thanks to our ( Tin anti tank guns." The cold -pell had produced thick ice, which could be crossed by troops, hut boats were busy keeping t [ le defence waterways free from ice. Belgium was spending large sums on air raid precautions. The Government was most satisfied with the mobilisation, under which 72<>,000 men were under arms. The situation in the Low Countries is considered easier by experts in London. There have been no new moves bevond the Itclgo-1 lutch frontiers. Home leave for the British Expeditionary Force has been resumed. The Brussels newspaper "Le Soir" publishes an interview with the commander of the British forces in France, General Lord Gort, V.C'., in which he' says: "If Belgium is attacked and her neutrality, independence and vital interests threatened, the French and British guarantee will c>i>erate with lightning rapidity. "This time all is ready and there will be no more gropings as in 1914. If the Germans come they will be well received." TRAFFIC SUSPENDED. German-Rumanian Railway Freight Trains. ROUTE VIA POLAND. (Received 11 a.m.) PARIS, January 17. The French radio announced that Cerman Rumanian railway traffic, via Poland, has been suspended. APPEAL FOR RECRUITS. Empire Air Scheme Of Vital Importance. EMPIRE CAN BE BEATEN.

MELBOURNE, January IT.

"I say this is a war in which the! Rritish Empire can be beaten. I say so with infinite regret. I do not think we will lose, but the response up to the present is not of the kind to give the sure guarantee we would like," said the Minister of Information, Sir Henry Gullett, in appealing for an overwhelming response in the Empire air training scheme. "Recruits cannot come along too early," said Sir Henry. "Only by air superiority can wo win the war. I do not think we can win it by land or sea. "In the coming year we must stiffen ourselves for patches of grave news, as a German blow of great strength is dmat any nioqient."