PLAN FOR INVASION OF BELGIUM

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21560, 24 January 1940, Page 7

PLAN FOR INVASION OF BELGIUM

Found In German Aeroplane Robbed of Surprise Advantage United Press Association— By Electric Tel egraph—Copyright (Received January 23, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 22. The Leige correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” states that a voluminous document, seized from an aeroplane which made a forced landing on January 10. comprised a detailed plan for a German invasion of Belgium. Careful inquiries disposed of the possibility that it was a “plant” to keep up “war nerves.” The papers contained a list of the supposed dispositions of all Belgian units, a survey of the weakest points in the defences, dossiers on the psychology of each corps commander, the exact position of each headquarters, also a list of German divisions secretly sent to the frontier. Official quarters state that Belgium was within an ace of invasion on January 13. though no date was mentioned in the document. It Is believed the Germans did not attack because the document robbed them of the advantage of surprise. President May Mediate The German press gives prominence to predictions that President Roosevelt may mediate at any moment in order to prevent involving neutral countries in the war, which might endanger American neutrality. , . , It states that Presidential circles are debating whether aid to Finland will increase this risk. ’Plane Fired On According to a message from the Hague an official announcement states that anti-aircraft gunners fired on a British ’plane over Gorkun, Holland. The Government is protestin, to Britain. . The British Air Ministry announced after a full inquiry, that the aircraft reported over south Holland could not have been British. A radio announcement from Hungary stated that the Rumanian Government had declared the district of Cluj near the Hungarian border a military zone. AMPLE FOOD Supplies In Britain Well Maintained British Official Wireless RUGBY. January 22. With the war in its fifth month, and rationing in the third week, l survey of food supplies and prices shows that many foods are as cheap and plentiful as before the war, and some prices are fat supplies restricted, but of eggs actually lower. Butter is rationed, and there are unlimited supplies, r.nri unchanged prices, whereas the Germans have one egg weekly. The consumption of margarine has gone up because of the rationing of butter, but there is no shortage, and the prices of 5d to Bd per pound have not advanced. Game is as cheap, or cheaper, than ever, and is not rationed. A hare weighing seven pounds, at 3 6 is actually 6d to a shilling cheaper than before the war. Although more delicate fish are generally dear and scarce, herrings are 2d per pound cheaper than before. Dried fruits are in ample supply since the Trade Agreement was signed with Turkey, and the controlled prices are to be reduced. There is no shortage and no increase in the price of coffee and cocoa, and pre-war prices of tea have been maintained, and there is no difficulty in obtaining supplies. Unlimited supplies of biscuits are available without price increases. The Government now has a surplus of bacon and ham. Prices have slightly advanced.