GERMAN MENACE

Grey River Argus, 16 January 1940, Page 7

GERMAN MENACE

To Holland and Belgium MORE PRECAUTIONS TAKEN [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.J LONDON, January 14. The low Countries again stand prepared for the possibility of a German invasion the situation being similar to that’of last November. Nearly 1,000,000 German mechanised troops are reported to be mobilised on an 85-mile front on the south-eastern frontier. Some authoritative quarters express the opinion that it ma> be" merely a German bluff. Diplomatic circles in London feel that there is no additional reason to ; expect an invasion of either country at present, but point out that quick changes are always possible, for which Belgium and Holland must be prepared. Both countries are acting m close concert, and have taken every precaution, the suddenly extended defence measures at the week-end bringing the armies close to total mobilisation. TROOPS ON THE MOVE. LONDON, January 14. News agencies state that important troop movements, in,Much all units will participate, are being carried out to-day. The earlier defence measures are believed to be due to the almos.daily flights of German planes over Belgian territory. German planes twice violated Belgian territory on January 13, and the anti-aircraft defences were in action. The situation m Belgium at pre sent is obscure. The announcement cabled earlier about soldiers on leave has not yet been elucidated. The Belgian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement describing the rumours spread abroad as unfounded. It added that the interpretation given to certain measures was erroneous. The situation in the country is unchanged. LOW COUNTRIES mobilise heavily. LONDON, January 14. Holland’s cancellation of military leave affects fifty thousand men. Belgium, jn a new call to the colours, mobilises from thirty to forty thousand men. ' It is unofficially /stated that Belgium now has seven, hundred thousand men mobilised. Dutch Ready CABINET ANNOUNCEMENT. THE HAGUE, January 14. A special Cabinet meeting is in progress at which readiness for all eventualities was announced. Tn connection with some less-favourable symptoms in the international situation, the Government has decided, in order to be prepared for all eventualities,. not to grant any periodical | leave to the army, for the time be- . ing.” I Belgian Mobilisation MORE MEN CALLED UP BRUSSELS, January 14. The radio announced that the military authorities hpve decided on additional to reinforce the Army. A certain number of reservists of the 1920-21 classes will be called up, also technicians. Only one phase of mobilisation remains unimposed. This phase can! be expected only if the country is invaded. Informed circles state that the defence chiefs met last night. The situation is considered as better to-day. The "Independence Beige" says the military authorities feel that they should at present utilise all effectives, to surround themselves with maximum guarantees. It is officially stated that the Government has taken "certain protective measures” for the constitution and application of a defence plan formulated at the outbreak of the war. Officials refuse to comment on the measures beyond saying that "they, cover everything."

British Forces’ Leave STOPPED IN FRANCE. (Received January 15, 8.50 p.m.) LONDON January 15. The War Office has announced

that British Expeditionary F°W a leave has been suspended. Thi.->, however, does not affect those soldiers who already are on leave. RUGBY v January 14.

The War Office made an onnouncemerit at 11.40 o'clock to-nlgM as follows: "Leave of service from 8.8.1. has been temporarily suspended.