Low Country Tension Relaxes

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21554, 17 January 1940, Page 7

Low Country Tension Relaxes

Neutrals Remain Vigilant

Germany Has Million Men On Frontiers

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

(Received January 16, 6.30 p.ih.) LONDON, January 15. TENSION in the Low Countries relaxed further to-iiight when the threat of a Kerman invasion did not materialise. The German press describes the situation as “made in Paris,” while the French authorities express the opinion that diplomatic rather than troop movements created the alarm. Nevertheless Belgium and Holland continue to be in a state of readiness.

It is stated from Amsterdam that according to most reliable sources, Germany’s 1,000,000 men on the frontiers comprise 18 divisions adjacent to Holland and 45 divisions adjacent to Belgium.

The official Belgian spokesman says: “Fears of an invasion have eased but a stale of semi-alarm is being maintained for a few days.” Troops are still moving up, although the mobilisation stage was completed 12 to 16 hours after the calling up. Civilian air raid precautions and trench digging are being completed. The army of the Duchy of Luxembourg, consisting of a company of volunteers, 180 strong, has been placed in a state of instant readiness.

According to earlier messages news telephoned from Berlin this morning indicates that foreign journalists are convinced that Germany intends to march across the Dutch frontier in the next 24 hours, states the Stockholm correspondent of the "Dally Mall.” It is also officially announced that leave in the R.A.F. has been cancelled. From Parts it is reported that the French Prime Minister (M. Daladier) conferred with the Belgian Ambassador and the Allied Commander-In-Chief (General Gamelln). There are many blank spaces In the French newspapers indicating censorship of articles where the newspapers take the viewpoint that the BelgianDutch crisis is another Nazi bluff. Both the Belgian and Dutch newspapers deprecate alarmist rumours and emphasise that the measures taken are in the national interests. The Belgian news agency states that Belgium remains calm out the army is on its toes. Offensive Expected on Saturday According to the military commentator, General Sir Frederick Morice, Hitler will launch an offensive against F ''..nd and Belgium on Saturday, states a message from Paris. Meanwhile Belgium and the Netherlands again stand prepared for the possibility of a German invasion. The situation is similar to that of last November. Nearly 1,000,000 German mechanised troops are reported to be mobilised on an 85 mile front on the south-eastern frontier of Holland, and other heavy concentrations are disposed on Belgium’s eastern frontier. Both countries are -"ting in close concert and have taken every precaution, suddenly extending their defence measures during the week-end and bringing their armies close to total mobilisati- 1. As a sequel to the new st-.ge of Belgian mobilisation, King Leopold has assumed supreme command of the army. He has established his general headquarters at the Ministry of Defence. which is now limited to administrative work. In dignation Over U-Boat A message from Amsterdam states that a U-boat, after boarding the vessel and examining the cargo, torpedoed and sank the steamer Arendskerk of 7259 tons in the Bay of Biscay. She was laden with piece goods and bound for Africa. The Fedora saved 60 members of the crew and two passengers who will be landed at Lisbon, where the Dutch Minister is inquiring before taking action. The incident has created indignation throughout Holland.