HOLLAND FULLY PREPARED

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23016, 10 May 1940, Page 11

HOLLAND FULLY PREPARED

Slight Easing Of Tension FEARS DISCOUNTED IN PARIS (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION COPYRIGHT.) (Received May 9, 8 p.m.) LONDON, May 8. A spokesman at the French War Office said that rumours of a German invasion of the Netherlands could be interpreted as a propaganda campaign to worry the neutrals. A spokesman at the Wilhelmstrasse, however, declared that Germany was prepared to strike decisively at any point where the enemy aimed a blow. When an inquirer asked whether the Netherlands frontier was included, the spokesman answered: “Obviously.” All ages seem to be involved in the latest wholesale German call io the colours.

Meanwhile the whole machinery of the Netherlands unique defence system is ready for instant operation. Sentries are constantly patrolling bridges and canals along the famous waterline stretching from the Zuyder Zee to the Maas river. Coastal guards are also vigilant and foreign aeroplanes have been forbidden to land on the Schiphol aerodrome near Amsterdam. Military police arc posted at all Government buildings. It is estimated that 600,000 are under arms. The tension was slightly relaxed after an announcement of minor exfrom the general cancellation of army leave, also the restoration of the normal services on the electrified railways. According to a message from Washington, the Netherlands Minister to the United States (Dr. A. Loudon) announced that he had ascertained from Netherlands officials at The Hague that reports that two German columns were moving towards the Dutch border for an invasion were “absolutely incorrect.”

It is understood that Dr, Loudon has been appointed paymaster for Netherlands nationals abroad, but the appointment is effective only if an emergency arises. The Belgian Cabinet unexpectedly met at Brussels and the Foreign Minister (M. Paul Spaak) reported on the international situation.. It is understood that the Cabinet decided that further precautions were unnecessary.

A spokesman for the Government said that some Belgian troops had been ordered to remain in barracks.