ALLIED AID

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24296, 13 May 1940, Page 8

ALLIED AID

BELGIUM AND HOLLAND TROOPS POURING IN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME ENEMY ADVANCE CHECKED (United Press Association) . (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, May 12. (Received May 12. at 9 p.m.) 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 stiller proposition than in August. 1914, The Belgian military position is now much stronger. The actual mobilisation figure for the field army of 1914 was 117,000. while at present it is certain that between 600,000 and 700,000 men are mobilised. The defence expenditure in 1914 amounted only to 100.000,000 francs, against 1,040.000,000 francs in 1938 to which must be added 500.000,000 francs . for fortifications spread over 1938-9, In the matter of support, the Belgians are also better off because although the Nazis 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 help the Belgian Army since they have been established for many months on the defensive awaiting the first German blow in the West wherever it might fall Stubborn resistance continues by the Dutch and Belgian troops on the frontiers and at the towns in the Netherlands where the Germans have landed by air. and throughout the night the Allied advance into Belgium was pressed forward without interruption, the co-opera-tion between the highly mechanised troops of the British Expeditionary Force and the French Army working smoothly. Newspaper correspondents contribute stirring accounts of the advance into Belgium of the British Expeditionary Force and of the enthusiastic welcome accorded to it. Guns were decorated with flowers by inhabitants who entertained, troops to hurried refreshments as they passed Western Front Battle Reports regarding the position, in Luxemburg suggests that the first real battle of the Western Front is in progress between Germans and advance units of the Allied forces along both banks of the Moselle. The Dutch High Command announced this afternoon: “French and British military forces have come to our assistance and are now working with the Dutch .forces to defend our country. Our frontier troops have offered courageous resistance to the Germans and were yesterday withdrawn slightly after having accomplished the necessary work of destruction. “ The little town of Mil, near the frontier, which was occupied yesterday by the Germans, w'as to-day x- recaptured by our men. As the result of a Dutch counter-attack, the whole of a German armoured train, together with its contents - and occupants was destroyed. In this train were found pamphlets printed in Dutch and Dutch uniforms. "Our troops occupying the Pannerden fort on the river Waal are holding out against the attackers. The Germans have erdssed the River Yssel below Arnhem.” Air Raids on France An official French announcement says that 148 civilians, including women and children, were killed and 337 wounded in air raids on France yesterday. Heavy fighting is reported to-day around Sierk. The military spokesman emphasised that while there is no doubt of ultimate victory for the Allies, ill-balanced optimism should not be entertained. “We are entering the greatest battle in history, and must be prepared for anything.” A French communique says; “ Our movements in Belgium have been continued. The enemy is unable, despite violent attacks, to effect any n.ew advance south of Luxemburg.” A communique issued in London states that the Germans are attempting to prevent the movement of Allied troops in the direction of the Belgian frontier by machine gunning roads and points of communication. The Allied Air Force is replying vigorously, as also are the anti-aircraft units which are accompanying convoys or have taken up positions for the protection of open towns or engineering works. The 'Belgian and French populations continue calm. The Germans atta'cked on the French front east of the Moselle last evening with forces estimated at one division The only result was withdrawal to advanced posts according to a prearranged plan.