RAPID COLLAPSE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 144, 19 June 1940, Page 7

RAPID COLLAPSE.

MILITARY FRANCE. Principal Arms Factory Taken Over. NAZI HIGH COMMAND CLAIMS. (Received 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 18. The Berlin High Command communique states: "The military collapse of France continues rapidly. We crossed the River Orne, between I Caen and Lemans, and have reached the Loire, above Orleans, as far as Nevers and south-east of which we are also advancing. "In the Maginot Line region the Germans captured the fortresses of Dijon and Belfort, and occupied Le Cruesot, where the principal French arms factory has fallen into German hands. "Over 100,000 prisoners, with full equipment, and many divisions- and fortresses have been captured. "Yesterday the Air Force attacked Rennes railway station, where entire trains were blown up and troops were thrown into panic. "The Air Force also made the greatest attack since the outbreak against enemy transport ships at the mouth of the Loire. Large tonnage was destroyed or damaged, including two transports of 30,000 tons each, partly loaded. Nine ships were sunk and others burnt out or capsized as a result of explosions.' .