WEST FRONT

Grey River Argus, 8 November 1939, Page 7

WEST FRONT

ENEMY OFFENSIVE Near at Hand VARIOUS .1N DICATIONS. [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received November 8, 1.25 a.m.) COPENHAGEN, November 7. The newspaper "Politiken” states: German officers and men have been recalled fror.l. leave. Air squadrons have been marshalled. Ambulance trains are now leaving Berlin. These developments all indicate that a German offensive is contemplated. German broadcasts were interrupted for half an hour this morning for some unknown reason. More German Fortifications NORTH OF LUXEMBOURG. (Received November 8, 12.5 a.m.) PARIS, November 7. German labourers are working day and night extending the German fortifications to the north of Luxemboui*g. opposite Vianden.

German Attacks IN VOSGES SECTOR, PARIS, November 6. The official radio states that the Germans, making a reconnaissance in the Vosges sector, captured a French outpost, but later were betiten off with hand-grenades. French mortars also prevented a German attempt to capture a small island in the Rhine, in boats. Quiet Night FRENCH REPORT. (Received November 8, 12.40 a.m.) PARIS, November 7. This morning’s French communique. says: “A quiet night.” NO DEFEATISM ! French Minister DENOUNCES COMMUNISM. LONDON, November 6. "The Times’s” Paris correspondent states that M. Sarraut, speaking at Carcassone, stressed France’s determination to see things through. He added that the failure of such propaganda must not lead to its being treated merely contemptuously. He added: ‘‘Communism and its filthy exhalations must be swept out of. France. The Government will mercilessly continue the purge, until we are freed of defeatism.’ SECRET RADIO Headache for Gestapo LONDON, November 6. Berlin reports state that the Gestapo has failed to track down tne Freedom wireless station, which, according to the announcer, has removed to another West German district. The- announcer disclosed that the Gestapo often nearly discovered the station, but the co-operation oi friends, added to its own vigilance, saved the operators from Herr Himmler’s bloodhounds. Listeners would later be informed in what towns it "was-operating. Its propaganda had fallen on fertile soil among West German armament workers. When the announcer began to read a proclamation, jamming drowned out the station.

THRUST AT HOLLAND Latest Reports ALSO GERMAN-RUSSIAN DRIVE (Received November 8, 1.25 a.m.) PARIS, November 7. The paper “Le Journal” says: There are unconfirmed reports that the German General Staff have decided to make a thrust into Holland, through Limbourg, and thence to advance northwards towards the Dutch ports. “The plan also includes a join. Russo-German drive towards the Suez Canal. SPIES IN HOLLAND. LONDON, November 6. The Exchange Agency’s Amsterdam correspondent says it is officialy announced that investigations into the smuggling of Dutch uniforms to Germany disclosed serious espionage plots. Dutch Colonel ARRESTED AS SPY. (Received November 7, 8.25 p.m.) THE HAGUE, November 7. Following the reports of Dutch espionage, a Dutch Lieutenant-Colonel, who is a member of a well-known family, and a prominent Dutch Nazi leader, has been arrested. Low Countries Anxious

BELGIAN AND DUTCH SOVEREIGNS. HOLD MIDNIGHT CONFERENCE. (Received November 8 1.25 a.m.) LONDON, November 7. Reuter’s Paris correspondent says: King Leopold of Belgium and the Foreign Minister, M. Spaak, arrived at The Hague last night, where they conferred with Queen Wilhelmina until 1.30 a.m. Political circles consider that the subject of their discussion was either a possible peace offer or closer cooperation between Belgium and Holland. Was It Peace Talk ? BRUSSELS, November 7. It has been semi-official]j stated here that King Leopold’s visit to The Hague is not connected with any proposal for eventual mediation. AN OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (Received November 8, 1.26 a.m) BRUSSELS, November 7. An official spokesman announced' that King Leopold and Queen Wilhelmina held a conference, which concerned routine questions relating to the Oslo Powers Conference King Leopold is expected to return to Brussels to-day. German Planes OVER BELGIUM LONDON, November 6. The British United Press Brussels correspondent says that the Belgian Ambassador to Germany, Vicomte d’Avignon, is protesting to Germany about the flight of a Nazi plane over Belgian territory on November b. It is expected that the Dutch Nazi movement will be banned.

OSLO CONFERENCE. (Received November 7, 7.10 p.m.) LONDON. November 6. Representatives of the Oslo Conference of Powers are meeting in Copenhagen to consider neutrality and associated problems. FRENCH STOCKS. RISE IN VALUES. PARIS, November 6. The Bourse experienced its mostactive day for several months, favourite home industrials gaining five to seven per cent. The small boom is ascribed to the returning of capital held abroad, which must be declared bv November 15;