THE DISPUTED WAY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 162, 20 May 1940, Page 4

THE DISPUTED WAY

BELGIUM; once again the battle ground of the nations, represents the way to victory for either the ruthless attackers or the gallant defenders of civilisation. As the news flashes out to the; world the vacillating fortunes of the tide of battle indicates but one thing clearly, and that is, that the well-panned invasion has been halted. The on-pressing troops of Germany have lost their phalanx formation which penetrated so far into Holland, and in the face; of the arrival of more and still more mechanised forces from Britain are now resorting to the safer methods of 'open warfare.' Were it not for the intensification of the war in the air, 'it would be correct to assume that this would lead to gligging-in and the birth of a prolonged period of trench warfare. After so many lightning strokes by the German High Command this would almost represent a stalemate, with all the attendant possibilities of an internal cracking up of the Reich itself- Hitler's only hope of success lies in a rapid victory, following a campaign conducted with masterful strategy, which will dazzle his subjects and add fresh lustre to his own position as the divinely inspired Fuehrer. Unfortunately for Belgium, but singularly enough fortunately for the Allies, the war storm with all its horribe barbarity has burst once again upon the martyred little, country of twenty-five years ago. Once again the tough little army has stood the brunt and halted the hordes of Dictatorship, in time to allow British and French troops to be rushed to their assistance. Tempered in the fires of war, the Belgium army is composed mainly of men who have learnt to handle their rifles from boyhood -In their present King they have a leader who is a worthy successor to the late beloved King Albert, and who like him, has placed himself at the head of his forces. Stolidly facing the foe, the heroic little band has disputed the way and shattered the first hopes of Hitler for the rapidly conducted campaign. No one will doubt that the fiery dictator will not hesitate to fling into the narrow battle, all the millions at his disposal. For ten years he has brooked no interference, or tolerated a single country or person who has dared to cross his will. His amazing march of success un the face of world threats,, ha,ve left him assured and confident in his own greatness and invincibility. Thus when,foiled by the might of the; Maginot Line he lost no time in creating the dastardly plan with all its attendant brutality of laying waste the unoffending Low-countries*. In Belgium at the present time the mightiest nations 5n the world are locked in a life and death struggle. What the smaller issues will b,e r or their extent, will be governed entirely by the outcome of the vast trial of arms in the country which has become known as the, 'battle ground of Europe.' Germany from her eighty millions, has marshalled to her banners over eight million fighting men. France from her thirty-seven has at her command five and a half millions. Great Britain has mobilised two millions from the British Isles, while the Dominions have already furnished over one hundred thousand. What will be the outcome of the battle at the gate. Every day the Allied position grows •more consolidated; and its striking power more deadly. No Britisher doubts the final outcome and with these facts in mind the position may be summed up in the French communique received over the week-end "The situation has much improved."