GERMAN CLAIMS

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 196, 15 May 1940, Page 9

GERMAN CLAIMS

BERLIN, May 13. A German communique claims that in addition to advances in Holland tbei nvaders forced a second passage of the Albert Canal, north-west of Hassell and also "advanced west of Liege and north of the Meuse and captured the citadel at Liege, the outer- forts of which are still resisting. It adds that German forces encountered French troops west of the Ourthe River, in southern Belgium, where “our troops are advancing rapidly and the vanguard are already nearing their objectives.”

German military quarters declared that their armoured units clashed witii Allied armoured units south-west of Saint Trond. It is claimed that the Germans, aided by aeroplanes, repulsed tiie Allied force. The official news agency reported that German bombers attacked British forces attempting to land on the Belgian and Dutch coasts. It adds that several transports and escorting warships were set on fire and partly sunk. The Germans claim that 320 Allied planes were destroyed yesterday, including 58 which, were brought down in air encounters. The agency asserts that 50 Allied planes were brought down this morning. (Received May 14, 7.5 p.m.) BERLIN, May 14. The news agency claims that JOO Allied aeroplanes were shot down yesterday. It admits losing 35. “Lowflying German bombers caused heavy casualties among French troop concentrations north-westward of Namur,” the agency states.