The Dominion FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1940. THE BATTLE OF THE MEUSE

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 198, 17 May 1940, Page 8

The Dominion FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1940. THE BATTLE OF THE MEUSE

From the latest reports of the fighting on the West el « J l0 ” t . is evident that the Germans are exerting their utmos large forces both on the ground and m the air to b reak t ad y ance Allied line. .At some points they appear to have inade s 0 . but the operations have not yet reached, the stage wheie it is possfiMe to estimate the significance of these gains. - Heavy pressuic. be concentrated by the enemy on the defence hne horn Antwerp Namur, and from Namur to Sedan, but the strength of the resistance may be inferred from a reported warning by the: Geiman Hig Command to its public not to lay too much store by early jesses Whatever successes that may have thus far been g a 'ned by enemy have been made possible by the treacherous invasioiof the Low Countries. The statement by the Dutch Foreign Mimster to day reveals how desperate must have been the resistance offered y the Netherlands army before its commander-in-chief was compelled by the grim realities of the situation to abandon h!s efforts. 1 hose five day! of hard fighting have been valuable to. the Allies m & the enemy’s operations, and the greatest sympathy wtilbe felt for the Dutch people who have been so heavily victimized by the despicable tactics of the Germans,, and who now are faced with a long and difficult period of trials and tribulations under German domination in those parts of their country which are now in enemy OCCI T at ’ The Belgian army is showing a splendid spirit in its resistance to the invaders, and Allied reinforcements which have now ar lived should hearten them in the struggle. While it is yet too carlv to obtain a complete perspective of the situation, there is encouraging evidence from the Allied, air operations and the stubboiai ,^^ of their ground forces to the advance of the Germans that Hitler s prospect of a quick decision in the West is steadd y ,^ adin ?’. is a possibility that he may seek a diversion on the Allies right.flank through Switzerland. Significant reports from Berne indicate that the Swiss Government is on the alert for any move in that direction, and is fully armed against a surprise attack.