HOLLAND’S FEARS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23704, 11 January 1939, Page 10

HOLLAND’S FEARS

POSSIBLE AGGRESSION EMERGENCY LEGISLATION READY FOR SUDDEN ATTACK (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegiaun Coovrlght) LONDON, Jan. 5. Persistent rumours of German aims have caused Holland to fear possible aggression. Significance attaches, therefore, to the Dutch Government’s introduction of emergency legislation. This deals with economic and military safety in the event of sudden invasion. It encourages the production of indispensable articles normally imported, and generally increases the power of the nation to hold out in wartime. Eight Bills introduced empower the Government to requisition agricultural production and to deal with distribution, prices, hoarding, sea and air insurance, the maintenance of sufficient rrferchant tonnage and general economic co-ordination. The Spectator says that a German invasion by a shock flank-attack via Holland into France is becoming increasingly likely, as France and Germany have reached a stalemate behind the Maginot and Siegfried lines. Belgium's border is massively fortified. Hence, a jump through Holland, with the object of turning the French left flank, tempts the German General Staff.