GERMANS ENTER PARIS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 168, 15 June 1940, Page 7

GERMANS ENTER PARIS

RESISTANCE NOT OFFERED MAGINOT LINE ATTACHED (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—■’■■...■.■■^c ®pyr>ght.j'■'■■ : Received June 15, 9 a.m. , LONDON, June 14. A Berlin message reports that officials said the first Germa n troops entered Paris through the north-western suburbs and marched into the West end down the Champs Elysees early this morning. The German columns consisted of tanks, armoured cars, anti-tank units, and motorised infantry. There were few onlookers. The French have placed the police, gendarmerie, and fire brigade at the disposal of the German Command to maintain order. It is impossible to prophesy what will happen to Paris now . The opinion is expressed that it would cease to be an open town if tlie Germans attempted to use it as a recuperative centre for German troops. It i=i doubted in London whether the Maginot Line could bensecVto attack the forces in its rear. Ttie German High Command states that a big frontal offensive against the Maginot Line in the Saar district began early this morning.

Soon after the announcement that the Germans were marching into Paris, listeners in London heard a German programme on the wavelength of the station Radio-Paris. After reading a communique, the radio announcer said: “We are now going to play ‘The March Into Paris,’ specially composed for this occasion.” A Berlin communique from the Fuehrer’s headquarters states: “The complete collapse of the entire French iront between the Channel and the Maginot Line at Montmedy has nullified the original intention of the French Command to defend the capital. Consequently, the French have proclaimed Paris an open city and have abstained from defending it. The victorious German troops are now entering the city.” Military circles in London discredit the German Official News Agency report that the whole of French Line from the sea to Montmedy has broken down. The claim is disbelieved because the French were fighting well yesterday, and it seems impossible that the whole line could have broken down in one morning. Hitler ordered bellringing for 15 minutes to-day and the befiagging of the whole countryside for three daysThe Associated Press Berlin correspondent says it is trustworthily announced that the German military authorities have placed the • TJni'ted States Ambassador (Mr W. C,. Bullitt) in protective custody in Paris. Earlier Mr r Bullitt informed the State Department in Washington that German troops were “inside the gates of Paris at 2.21 a.m.” There were no details accompanying this announcement. Paris itself was quiet. The news I was telephoned by Mr Bullitt to Mr Biddle (United States Ambassador to the Polish Government at Tours;. Mr Bullitt also informed Mr Cordell Hull (Secretary for State) that he was withdrawing from Paris with the Army. !'