Precautions Against Invasion

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22919, 16 January 1940, Page 7

Precautions Against Invasion

REPORTS OF GERMAN CONCENTRATIONS {L'NuED PHES3 A,SSOCIATTO3f—COPYBJGHT.) (Received January 15, 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 15. Belgium and the Netherlands again stand prepared for the possibility of a German invasion. The situation is similar to that of last November. Nearly 1,000,000 German mechanised troops are reported to be mobilised on an 85-mile front on the south-eastern frontier of Holland, and other heavy concentrations are disposed on Belgium’s eastern frontier. Some authoritative quarters believe that Germany may be merely bluffing. Diplomatic circles in London feel that there is no additional reason to expect the invasion of either country at present, but they comment that quick changes are always possible, for which Belgium and Holland must be prepared. Both countries are acting in close concert and have taken every precaution* suddenly extending their defence measures during the week-end and bringing their armies close to total mobilisation. The_ German concentrations include some five Berlin divisions which were reported to have left the German capital recently. It is stated that the equipment includes a large number of swamp tractors capable of carrying field guns and 10 to 15 soldiers apiece on dry land or over swamps. Gronau, w r hich Is almost on the frontier, is packed with troops. The German-Dutch frontier is now open at only one point, on the main railway line between Dldenzaal and Bentheim. A Brussels message says that the official outlook is slightly more optimistic, as the week-end passed without event.