ORDER OUT OF CHAOS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 121, 23 May 1940, Page 12

ORDER OUT OF CHAOS

Allied Front Fixed

ENEMY RAIDERS ATTACKED

No Large German Units Met Yet

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.) May 23, 2.20 p.m.) PARIS, May 22. Taking their stand against the double-headed Germar thrust to the Channel and to Paris, the Allies tonight fixed a new front along the Somrae and the Aisne for 200 miles acrosr northern France, and from these positions counter-attacked against German raiding columns, recapturing Arras. . A semblance of military order has been forged out of the chaos created by the lightning German drive. The disclosure that General Weygand had conferred with the chiefs of the Belgian and Allied armies in the north indicated that communications had not been seyered between the main French army and the Allies operating in Belgium. The. French military spokesman stressed that the Allies have not yet met large enemy units, and in the confusion light German motor-cycle units are continuing to push to the sea. There are reports both in London and in Paris of fightingin the area between Cambrai, Douai, and Valenciennes. One Paris report mentions a German drive between Cambrai and Valenciennes, and it has been stated in London that the British have counter-attacked between Arras and Douai. but there. are no details of these encounters, and the situation Appears to be extremely confused.

TELLING THE FACTS

MINISTRY'S DUTY

• THE PRESENT POSITION

SEPARATE FRONTS

(British Official Wireless.)

(Received May 23, 1.50 p.m.) RUGBY, May 22. In a broadcast to the Empire on Wednesday afternoon the Minister of Information.defined the two-fold duty of his office as letting the people know the truth as soon and as fully as possible, and helping the people of Britain §,nd the Empire to understand

the facts so that their minds can be prepared for what is to come.

Mr. Duff Cooper described the military situation as "grave, perhaps graver than at any time in the war of 1914-1918," and he added, "That does not mean that defeat is on the horizon. The war will be won by the Allies and won all the sooner for the perils and sacrifices that are being laid upon them."

Describing the position in Belgium and France, the Minister said: "The Allied army in Belgium and northern France, which includes most of the 8.E.F., today constitutes in effect a separate front against the Germans from that of the main; French army. Along the Maginot Line and to the south of the German salient stands the greater part of the army of France under the leadership of the inspired General Weygand. In the north, under the same unity of command, the British Expeditionary Force is ready for action. I need not tell you that it is undefeated. Against all the assaults of the enemy it has acquitted itself magnificently, and its morale is very high."