PEACE PRESSURE

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21040, 16 February 1940, Page 5

PEACE PRESSURE

MENACE TO HOLLAND MAY BE OCCUPIED ALLIES BAR THE WAY (United Press Assn.—Ele-. Tel. Copyright) NEW YORK, Feb. 14 Nazi sources are allowing word to reach Washington, directly or indirectly, that the German Army may be forced, for strategic and trade reasons, to attempt the occupation of Holland in the spring, says the Washington correspondent of the New York Times. Diplomatic circles regard the statements as a form of German peace pressure because the reports have been intensified since it was announced that Mr Sumner Welles, assistant-Secretary of State, would visit Europe. The Rotterdam correspondent of the Times says the presence during the last fortnight of many German bankers and business men indicates the beginning of a new peace offensive, particularly directed at neutrals. The German Legation and semiofficial German organisations are entertaining on an unusual scale, with the idea of prcfpagating the view that Germany primarily desires normal trade and that only the Allies’ will for war is barring the way. Dutch and other neutral businessmen have been invited to a conference in Berlin on March 2. The Dutch believe that the Germans are trying to create an atmosphere that the war will die a natural death, and are convinced that the campaign has been officially inspired.