Little News Issued

Northern Advocate, 27 May 1940, Page 5

Little News Issued

It is stated by the authorities that the situation in France and Belgium remains very grave and very confused. There is no news indicating that the situation is any better, but there is no need to lose confidence. A co-ordinated effort by the Allies can still retrieve the position. The French High Command has especially requested that nothing whatever should be said regarding the Allies’ present movements. It is desired to keep from the enemy any information about the Allied armies, or about any of his own detached units which may be unable to communicate with their headquarters. Owing to the necessity of the national interests of not speculating regarding British and Allied movements on the war fronts, England awaits a decisive announcement (which possibly will not be forthcoming for several days) either of the evacuation of Belgium or of the successful closing of the gap between Bapaume and Peronne, Whatever may be the course of the battle in Flanders, the British and Allied public will assuredly not be told before the decision is fairly clear in this first—and, it is emphasised, crucial —encounter.

The latest reports are that German forces are attacking Courtrai, and the enemy has occupied important flank defences on the ridges north-west from Arras, including Vimy Ridge. The Allies appear to hold Calais, but the fighting is most intense everywhere. The Allies, it is reported, continue to advance slowly from Bapaume to Pei'onne, but the Germans have steadily poured in troops and armoured units through the gap and claimed to be consolidating their position. The Allies are reported to have reduced the gap to 12 miles, and are heavily bombarding it from both edges with artillery. There is little doubt that there is a large number of German tanks behind the northern part of the Allied lines, but it is impossible to estimate how large. The French military spokesman said yesterday that the Battle of Flanders was continuing in full violence. The French were holding off German detachments at St. Omer. A hundred Germans were taken prisoner during mopping up south of Amiens. The French recaptured all the lost ground south of Sedan in very hot engagements.