NAZI MENACE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 August 1940, Page 5

NAZI MENACE

PLANS FOR THE INVASION OF BRITAIN OBSERVATIONS BY LONDON COMMENTATOR. VARIOUS PREPARATIONS MADE. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, August 6. German intentions to invade Britain have never been far out of our minds, more particularly since the Prime Minister’s warning to us to be prepared, and the question of how the blow will fall has been discussed more than any other subject since the invasion of Holland (states a London commentator). The attacks which have been delivered on this country so far have been described by Marshal Goering as armed reconnaissances. The German pilots have obviously been told to gather, as much information as possible and also to hit as many targets as possible. In these attacks, however, our air force has gained a good deal of experience, and when the real test comes they can be expected to be thoroughly ready for the demands on them. - In the meantime our air force and the Fleet air arm have gathered as the result of constant reconnaissance flights, valuable knowledge of the German intentions, and all reports indicate that an invasion is being planned. It may be by sea or air, or by both. It may even be by gliders, and these reports show that there is reason for expecting such, and that these gliders may be used for carrying parachute trops or for carrying supplies for troops.

Of the possibilities of an air invasion we have every reason to believe that Germany’s preparations have been going on for some time. In the Baltic invasion troops had been practising embarkation and disembarkation, and there is the possibility that such troops might, at some moment considered opportune by the Nazis, be smuggled out of the Baltic under cover of darkness. In addition, the Germans are bringing up big guns to man the coastal region of northern France, where heavy troop concentrations are also reported. These facts are being accepted calmly by the people of Britain, where everything is in readiness. Tne Navy is keeping d constant watch and the R.A.F. by nightly raids on Germany, is smashing her industrial and military production. The Germans are likely to meet with a particularly hot reception. TROOPS MASSING STATEMENT BY FEDERAL MINISTER. CANBERRA, August 6. The Minister of External Affairs, Mr McEwen, told the House of Representatives today that preparations which could be designed for an invasion of Britain were known to be afoot on the German side of the Channel and the North Sea. These preparations, he explained, included troop concentrations in Norway and Denmark and the training of parachutists. ARMY LEAVE STOPPED GERMAN TROOPS MOVING TO COAST. RIBBENTROP’S REPORTED BOAST. (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) LONDON, August C. The “Exchange’s” Zurich correspondent says that according to reports from well-informed observers in Berlin, all Army leave has been cancelled. Large forces of troops are moving towards the coast. At a Press conference in the Wilhemstrasse today Herr von Ribbentiop declared that England will be forced to accept peace terms this year.