MARTIAL LAW

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20952, 3 November 1939, Page 5

MARTIAL LAW

IN THE NETHERLANDS PRECAUTION MEASURES FEAR OF INVASION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Nov. 2 The Netherlands Government has declared martial law in all districts along the German frontier. These serious measures are stated to be solely precautionary. They are designed to strengthen the defences of the country and to curb espionage. Five hundred towns and villages are under martial law, but no large cities are affected. The measures also apply to some districts on the sea coast. It is stated officially that precautions are being taken in connection

A division of Cossacks from the Soviet Russian Army which has occupied the Eastern part of Poland. with possible flooding and othei military measures. The Amsterdam correspondent of the Times says a state of siege has been proclaimed by Royal decree as from yesterday in certain municipalities along the frontiers, including the inundation zones. It is unofficially reported that a quantity of water has already been released into the areas that would immediately be flooded in the event of the country being attacked, the object being thoroughly to soak the ground so that if the sluices were raised and the dykes blown up the water would rapidly pour over the land, converting it into a sodden marsh over which no transport could pass. One report says the province of Utrecht has already been flooded. Precautions have also been taken by the Swiss Government. Factory owners have been ordered to take measures to be ready to transfer factories from the frontier to the interior.