FORCES IN BELGIUM IN DANGER

Southland Times, Issue 24138, 29 May 1940, Page 7

FORCES IN BELGIUM IN DANGER

The Allied forces in Belgium are in danger of being cut off from the French army on the Somme and their supplies are also threatened. This problem has been made more difficult by the bombing of Channel ports by enemy aircraft. The position of Calais, the French Channel port, remains uncertain, but it is believed . that the port is still held by Allied troops, who are fighting desperately. Reports indicate that the German drive to the Channel ports continued last night with extreme violence. In spite of huge losses the efiemy launched attack after attack along the river Lys in the direction of Menin. The battle is still raging and the fighting is believed to be easily the most bitter of the war. After the ground had been prepared by artillery fire German infantry threw themselves against the British line and although the Allied forces are

fighting desperately the position of the northern Allied army is one of extreme danger. The French military spokesman admits that German forces have crossed the river Lys at several points. The losses inflicted on the Germans in their drive towards the French Channel ports are assuming terrific proportions. Whole German units have been wiped out, but in most cases reinforcements quickly take their place, and wave after wave of troops continue to come on. The French line on the Somme is being well held and local operations have been carried out brilliantly. Enemy attacks along the Aisne proved very costly. On the southern front the French are fighting hard under continuous enemy pressure. British forces are hammering at the German flank between Calais and Dunkirk.