THE DUTCH ARMY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24296, 13 May 1940, Page 7

THE DUTCH ARMY

UNDER-RATED BY NAZIS LEADER’S DECLARATION INVASION A FAILURE RECAPTURE OF AIRPORT i LONDON. May 12. (Received May 12. at 10 p.m.) General Winkelman. the Dutch Com-mander-in-chief. in an order of the day declared: “The German invasion in Holland is a failure. The German High Command was profoundly mistaken in under-rating the Dutch Army. The parachutists have absolutely failed, being either wiped out or taken prisoner.” _ _ The Dutch Foreign Minister. Dr Van Kleffens. stated that the large Dutch cruiser Sumatra has left England to do its bit. The enemy's first act was to sow magnetic mines in all Dutch harbours. but these were mopped up last evening. Two-thirds of the Dutch gold deposits were sent abroad before the invasion. The rest is also being sent abroad. • - _ ~ Describing the recapture of Rotterdam airport he said it followed the recapture of The Hague airport, which changed hands three times yesterday. “ We need reinforcements in order to conclude the mopping up of parachutists, because our First Army Corps has to deal with the situation in northern and southern Holland. The Dutch Navy played an important part in the recapture, of Dordrecht, where a German force, including aeroplanes, men and stores, was completely wiped out, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that we succeeded in resisting the Germans at Yssel because it was never intended to be the principal line of resistance.” Dr van Kleffens said the Dutch would never ask for more help than was really needed. Describing the extensive German espionage in Holland before the invasion, he mentioned the case of the president of the German Chamber o. Commerce in Amsterdam, who enjoyed Dutch hospitality for 20 years, but a complete plan cf the Dutch inundation system was found in his pocket The traitor is now languishing in gaol. German espionage in the Dutch East Indies is not so complete. Strong air, land and naval forces in the East Indies include 120 American bombets and 100 fighters, while by far the greater part of the Dutch Navy is remaining in the Far East. There are heavy coastal batteries in the East Indies. The question of British protection there does not arise because Holland is well armed there. It would be a most serious enterprise for anybody to attack the East Indies.” Dr van Kleffens claimed that the Germans do not now hold a single Dutch aerodrome. We recaptured Rotterdam aerodrome at 10 a.m to-aay after bombing by the R.A.F,. but thij» was accomplished only with heavy loss of life. The Dutch probably also recaptured the bridge at Rotterdam as the German forces were surrounded. Dordrecht is now in Dutch hands at a cost of 1000 men killed.