Neutrals Fear Nazi Invasion

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21553, 16 January 1940, Page 5

Neutrals Fear Nazi Invasion

Belgium And Holland Call

Men To Colours

British Forces Have Leave Suspended

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received January 15, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 14. THE Netherlands radio to-day announced _ that " because of the “less favourable international situation,” all army leave has been cancelled. Earlier, similar steps by Belgium were announced. The Dutch action was broadcast by the German radio, which added at the end of its news that at noon yesterday a Dutch aeroplane flew over Nordholm, which is three miles inside Germany, thus violating German neutrality. The. Belgian radio last night warned all soldiers on leave to return to their posts. Belgian factory workers have been taken over for military service. Sinister elements in the new Belgian and Dutch crisis are Germany’s unfounded charge that a Dutch aeroplane violated the German frontier, repeated flights of German aeroplanes acrdss Belgium and the renewal of hostile German press attacks on neutrals. Holland’s cancellation of leave affects 50,000 men. Belgium’s new call to the Colours mobilises 30,000 to 40,000 men. It is unofficially stated that in all 700,000 have been mobilised. The German concentrations include some five Berlin divisions which are reported to have left the German capital recently. It is stated that their equipment includes a large number of swamp tractors capable of carrying field guns and 10 to 15 soldiers apiece on dry land or over swamps. Gronau is packed with troops. The German and Dutch frontier is now open only at one point on the main line between Oldenzaal and Bentheim.

The British War Office announced at 11.40 p.m. that leave service from the British Expeditionary Force had been temporarily suspended. According to a later message, the War Office announced that British Expeditionary Force leave had been suspended, but this does not affect soldiers already on leave.

The military measures which Belgium has decided to put into operation amount practically to total mobilisation of the country and will mean the calling to the colours of 30,000 to 40.000 men. When this Is completed only one further phase of mobilisation will remain.

should at present utilise all effectives to surround themselves with the maximum guarantees. News agencies state that important troop movements, in which all units will participate, are being carried out to-day. Earlier defence measures were believed to be due to almost daily flights of German aeroplanes over Belgian territory. German aeroplanes twice violated Belgian territory on Saturday and the anti-aircraft defences were in action.'

The measures taken by Belgium were announced by wireless and by notices posted in the streets. The news was received with complete calm, and the general Impression Is that the measures are precautionary. The Belgian Foreign Office in a statement says that the steps taken do not imply any change In the situation, and tile Brussels newspapers are reassuring in their comments. They claim that the application of the measures Is only a preventive move. The Dutch authorities announce that the alleged violation of German territory by a Dutch aeroplane is absolutely untrue.

Holland’s first line of defence is now ice instead of water. The Dutch press publishes an officially inspired article quoting expert opinion that a freeze would not mean that the country's watfer defences would be impaired. It is stated that the enemy would be unable to cross ice iti the face of a withering fire from an entrenched army. Ice would not afford protection to attackers, especially as the Dutch have devised means of drawing the water from under the ice which is then unsupported.

German aeroplanes flying over Belgium Were driven off by anti-aircraft fire.

A special Cabinet meeting is in progress at The Hague, at which readiness for all eventualities was announced. The Belgian radio announced that the military authorities had decided on additional measures to reinforce the army. A certain number of reservists Of the 1920-21 classes had been called up, also technicians. Only one phase of mobilisation remains unimposed, and this phase can be expected only if the country is invaded. Informed circles state that the Belgian defence chiefs met last night. The situation is considered better today.

The Rome correspondent of the “New York Times” says the Foreign Ministry was in a ferment throughout the day as a result of the developments in Belgium and Holland. It is certain that German violation of Belgian and Dutch neutrality will disturb Italian and German relations. Italians still believe that Germany does not intend vital moves in the west but may threaten again to test the Allied reaction and thus gain military information of the Allied plans to meet an attack through Belgium or Holland.

The “Independence Beige" states that the authorities feel that they