DUTCH ACTION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20244, 11 May 1940, Page 5

DUTCH ACTION

CHALLENGE FACED “RESIST TO LAST” RAPID NAZI ATTACK TREACHERY & BARBARISM DEFENCES IN OPERATION MAIN ADVANCE CHECKED (Elcc. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. May 11, 11 a.m.) THE HAGUE, May 10. German troops crossed the Dutch frontier at'3 o'clock this morning. At 6 o’clock the German Minister delivered a demand for surrender to the Dutch Foreign Minister, saying that an immense German force was put into action and any resistance would be senseless. Germany guaranteed that Holland would retain her possessions in Europe and overseas if no resistance was offered. Otherwise, there was danger of the complete destruction of Holland “We therefore urgently advise you to address an appeal to the people and army to establish contact with the German military command,” said the demand. The ultimatum then gave Germany’s ground for the invasion. M. Van Kleffens replied: “It is with indignation that Holland rejects the supposition that she would act hostilely or have an agreement with any Power whatsoever against Germany. Because of the unprecedented attack by Germany against the Netherlands, without warning, the Government considers that Holland is at war with the Reich.” Civilians Victims of Warplanes A member of the Netherlands Government, in a statement, said: “Holland will not submit to such treatment and will accept the challenge.” “We shall resist the Germans to the last drop of blood,” declared a Dutch radio broadcast summoning Dutch territorials By this time the German invasion was developing with the use of every possible form of treachery and barbarism. Civilians were the first victims as German warplanes rained bombs on Schipol, Holland’s biggest aerodrome. Heavy explosions were heard in quick succession at Schipol. Most of the aerodrome appeared to be on fire at one time. Dutch armoured cars came racing up from nearby barracks. A Dutch censorship was imposed during the morning, but the Hilversum radio announced that French, Belgian and British planes were sighted over Holland. It also announced that Holland’s frontier army was fighting well and that the German parachute troops had failed in their task. Other bulletins at short intervals called on the people to keep a sharp look-out for further parachuters, and warned the people to ignore the German radio suggestions that German-Dutch negotiations were proceeding. Parachute Troops Used The Dutch have flooded large regions along the frontier, but the Germans hurdled this believedlv impregnable barrier with hundreds of parachute troops, some of whom are reported to have been wearing Allied uniforms in addition to Dutch. Some German warplanes mixed leaflets with bombs and declared that Germany was attacking Britain. The parachute troops are reported to be at widely-separated points, including Boxtel and the River Maas, in addition to others. Those landing at the River Maas used rubber boats. It is authoritatively stated that about 200 German parachutists wearing British uniforms landed at The Hague airport. Others wearing Dutch uniforms landed at Dordrecht and also in the Dutch Frisian Islands. The Dutch High Command, in its first communique, states: “Our troops performed their tasks according to plan. They destroyed all bridges over the Rivers Maas and Ysel. Only in one section, namely east of Arnheim, have the Germans penetrated about 10 miles into Dutch territory and reached the Ysel.” ' The second communique states:—’ “Dutch troops are offering strong resistance at the Ysel and Maas Rivers, and are maintaining their positions at Delfzijl. Four German armoured trains were successfully attacked and one blown up at Venlo. At least 70 German planes were shot down. Small German concentrations in various parts of the country attempted to maintain their positions against strong opposition. The Germans are reported to be using prisoners as shields.” Aiming at the Houses of Parliament, the Germans dropped incendiary bombs, which set fire to a nearby building. Rotterdam Surprised Hundreds of German planes at about 4 a.m. took Rotterdam completely by surprise. Troop transports landed on the Maas River and troops armed with machine-guns came ashore in rubber boats, disarmed Dutch soldiers who were guarding a bridge, and took the railway station. They shot dead a police inspector and killed or wounded other police who were attempting to resist. The Dutch, however, completely control the right bank of the river. All drawbridges have been opened to prevent the Germans from crossing. Barricades have been erected in the streets. The Germans are using abandoned tramcars as shelters. The Dutch have set fire to the sector of Amsterdam held by the Germans and are now closing in on it. An Amsterdam report says that the Government is taking extraordinary measures to deal with Nazi subversive elements. Three Nazi printing houses have been razed to the ground.