Surrender Demand
At 6 a.m., the German Minister delivered a demand for surrender to the Dutch Foreign Minister (Dr. van Kleffens) saying an immense German force had been put into action and any resistance would be senseless. Germany guaranteed that Holland would retain her possessions in Europe and overseas if no resistance were ottered; otherwise there was danger of the complete destruction of Holland. “We. therefore, urgently advise you to address an appeal to the people and the army to establish contact with the German military command,” said the Note. The ultimatum then gave Germany's ground for invasion, outlined in the memorandum (printed in another column).
Rejected With Indignation. Dr. van Kleffens replied: “It is with indignation that Holland rejects the supposition that she would have made a hostile agreement with any power whatsoever against Germany. “Because of the unprecedented attack by Germany against the Netherlands, without warning, the Government considers Holland at war with the Reich.” 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 the German warplanes rained bombs on Schipol, Holland's biggest aerodrome.
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Northern Advocate, 11 May 1940, Page 8
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192Surrender Demand Northern Advocate, 11 May 1940, Page 8
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