MENACE FACES NEUTRALS

Southland Times, Issue 24108, 23 April 1940, Page 5

MENACE FACES NEUTRALS

Realization Grows

In Europe

ACTION AGAINST NAZI TECHNIQUE (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, April 21. The Sunday newspapers are much preoccupied with the degree to which the growing menace to neutrals of a Germany governed by Nazi doctrines is being realized by those States exposed to Nazi aggression which have so far escaped actual violence. There is a feeling that recent events must have served to bring home in many quarters the warnings which British statesmen repeatedly have given neutrals, that, until Nazi lawlessness has been defeated, there is no security for any State. Despatches from the newspapers’ own correspondents in neutral capitals indicate in nearly every case that vigorous measures are being taken or planned against the Nazi technique, the use of which has been so strikingly illustrated by events in Denmark and Norway. ■The Sunday Times writes: “Ever since April 9, when Germany suddenly invaded, without provocation, two neutral States, completely overwhelming one and seizing the capital of the other, all the rest of the European neutrals have seen where they stand. With the temporary exceptions of Russia and Italy, they know they may be in imminent danger. They know, too, that its source is Germany alone. RUSSIA AND ITALY “Even Russia and Italy—though for the time being they feel safe and though Germany at the moment is pressing them to become her partners in a new crime, as Russia already has been in the crime against Poland—must be aware that their security would be gone if Germany were finally victorious. “In Holland a state of siege has been proclaimed over the entire country. In Yugoslavia, M. Stoyadinovitch, so long and so recently a pro-Nazi Prime Minister, has been interned. Sweden, Belgium, Hungary, Rumania and Turkey have alike taken safeguarding measures. “There is a widespread feeling that whatever happens in Norway Herr Hitler is likely soon to strike else- j where—in one event to exploit his success, in the other, to divert attention from his failure. “Incandescent lava can be seen brimming on the lip of the volcano. Men ask only in which direction it will ; overflow.” Commenting on the Dutch Prime Minister’s declaration of a state of siege throughout Holland The Yorkshire Post says that the Jonkheer der Greer is determined to give Germany no excuse for invading Holland on the pretext that the Dutch are about to invite the Allies to come in. If Hitler resolved to strike at Holland he will not be deterred by lack of excuse, but at least he knows now that Holland’s small but efficient army and her powerful natural defences will be awaiting him resolute and prepared.

FRENCH WARSHIPS NEARLY READY RICHELIEU AND JEAN BART PARIS, April 21. M. Cesar Campinchi, the French Minister for the Navy, stated that the French 35,000-ton warships Richelieu and Jean Bart would shortly be ready for service. “We are 10 months ahead of normal construction in the time for the Jean Bart,” he said. “The construction of two other 35,000-ton ships is making rapid headway. We will never hand over the smallest part of our Empire and therefore we must have very strong sea-power.”

HERR HITLER AWARDS DECORATIONS KNIGHT’S CROSSES GIVEN TO ADMIRALS BERLIN, April 21. Herr Hitler has awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Iron Cross to Vice-Admiral Schmiewind, Chief of Staff, for the conduct of sea warfare and to Rear-Admiral Odenitz, commander of the U-boats.