Stubborn Resistance Continues

Northern Advocate, 13 May 1940, Page 5

Stubborn Resistance Continues

(Received 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, May 12

The stubborn resistance by the Dutch and Belgian troops, on the frontiers and at towns in the Netherlands, where the Germans landed by air, continues, and throughout the night the Allied advance into Belgium was pressed forward without interruption. The co-operation between the highly mechanised troops of the B.E.F. and French Army is working lyNewspaper correspondents contribute stirring accounts of the advance into Belgium of the British Expeditionary Force, and of the enthusiastic welcome accorded them. Guns Decorated With Flowers. Guns were decorated with flowers by the inhabitants, who - entertained the troops to hurried refreshments as thay passed. News from Belgium indicates the magnificent spirit in which the Belgian people and their gallant troops are meeting the second German invasion in 30 years. Although the initial advantage is always with the invading force, Germany is facing a much stiffer proposition than in August, 1914. The Belgian military position is much stronger. The actual mobilisation figure for the field army in 1914 was 117,000, while in the present year it is certain that between 600,000 and 700,000 men can be mobilised. Better Off For Support,

The defence expenditure in 1914 smountea to only 100,000,000 francs, against 1,040,000,000 in 1938, to which must be added 500,000,000 francs for fortifications spread over 1938-39. In the matter of support the Belgians are also better off, although the Nazis have once more seized the military advantage from the Allies by attacking neutral Belgium without provocation or warning, British and French forces are this time able to move instantly to the help of the Belgian Army since they have been established for many months on the defensive awaiting the first German blow in the West, wherever it may SM. •’ - - ' .