IN BELGIUM

Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1940, Page 5

IN BELGIUM

THE WITHDRAWAL (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-Copyright). BERLIN, MAY 18. A German High Command communique says: The Germans are pursuing the enemy, forces in . Belgium, which are now retreating from their Dyle position. LONDON, May 18. With reference to the position round Antwerp and Brussels, the French War Ministry Spokesman said the position is one of open warfare. The enemy has been repulsed at some points. He succeeded in penetrating the British lines at other points'. But’ 1 generally, it was a local affair. The latest Belgian Army communique does not refer to Antwerp citft. It says that German attacks against Antwerp were repulsed with heavy losses. A communique issued at 4.30 a.m. to-day by the British General Headquarters says: The British Expeditionary Force carried out successful operations yesterday. Our anti-aircraft and small arms fire brought down several enemy aeroplanes, in addition to R.A.F. successes. The morale of the troops is high. The Air Ministry announced: The Royal Air Force, at night, heAvily bombed eenm v \ bases and fines of communication in Belgium and France. There is no question of the Belgian Army disintegrating. The Liege and Namur fortresses are, apparently, still resisting the Germans. BRITISH WITHDRAWAL PURELY STRATEGIC (Per British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 18. A Press Agency correspondent, reporting, speaks of the British fine in Belgium, late on Saturday night. The correspondent sayp the British withdrawal, which was only necessary in order to conform the position of the Alied forces on the flank, was carried out with complete success. Elsewhere, he says, British mobile forces—famous cavalry regiments now mechanised—have played an important part in meeting enemy\ thrusts.” The British and Belgian forces on the northern front retired in order to conform with the movement in the south, hut there was no question of the troops retiring in confusion. The morale of the troops is extremely high. They were most indignant over the necessity to retire, because the reason for it was not apparent to them.