LUXEMBURG’S PROTEST

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 September 1940, Page 7

LUXEMBURG’S PROTEST

GERMAN ACTION DENOUNCED. [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, September 19. On September 9, a declaration was made by the Government of Luxemburg, concerning the violation by Germany of the neutrality and integrity of the Grand Duchy. The full text has now arrived in London, and states:— “In violation of the assurance given at the outbreak of war, to respect the integrity and neutrality of the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, the Reich invaded and occupied the Grand Duchy with her troops during the night of May 9 and bl. The Grand Duchess and her Government left the country, as a protest against this act of violence, and for the purpose of freeing their actions from the pressure of the invader, and so as to be able to defend the interests of their own country in freedom among other free nations. Before leaving, the Government gave instructions to the administrative autorities of Luxemburg, who were Remaining in the country, with a view to ensuring the continuity of the civil administration during the military occupation. The measures were in accordance with international Jaw. The measures decreed since May 10 for the administration of the Grand Duchy soon showed the real intentions of the-Reich towards this country. A few days after the invasion, the country was declared enemy territory, and, after a short transitional period, the military administration was replaced by a Gauleiter. This Gauleiter entered the town of Luxemburg at the head of a force of German police. In a speech made on this occasion, the Gauleiter proclaimed that Luxemburg’s population was in fact of German character. Little by little, the Gauleiter suppressed the use of the French language, which for generations has been the official language of the country. He ordered the exclusive use of the German tongue. He declared the Constitution abolished, and released the officials from their oath of loyalty to the Grand Duchess. He forbade the use of the terms Grand Duchy and the country of Luxemburg. 7

“The Grand Duchess and her Gov-> ernment protest solemnly against these actions, which violate international law, and the treaties and. promises given by Germany. They will never recognise their validity. Never in any way, past or present, has the attitude of the Grand Duchess or the .Grand Ducal Government, nor the attitude of the people, ,given the slightest justification for this gross injustice committed by the Reich against a little country wishing to live in peace among its neighbours. The authorities of the Reich have done all they could since May 10 to prevent the Grand Duchess and the Government from ‘ making contact with the people of Luxemburg. Nevertheless, the Grand Duchess and her Government know that, in making, this protest they are acting with the full agreement of .the people of Luxemburg, who, if. they were free to demonstrate their feelings, would not fail to demonstrate their wish to remain free and independent, as they were proud to do a year ago, when, with universal enthusiasm, they celebrated the independence of the Grand Duchy.”