BRITISH TROOPS ENGAGED

Evening Star, Issue 23368, 11 September 1939, Page 5

BRITISH TROOPS ENGAGED

IMPORTANT POSITIONS CAPTURED NUMEROUS GERMAN COUNTER-ATTACKS LONDON, September 10. A British division participated in an attack on the western front, resulting in the capture of important positions. A communique issued in Paris says that the Gormans counter-attacked at numerous points, but their efforts failed. The situation in these areas is unchanged. Aerial activity is normal. FRENCH INCREASING PRESSURE IMPORTANCE OF PRESENT GAINS NEW YORK, September 9. The Paris correspondent of the New York ‘ Tribune ’ says that in the meantime the French are increasing pressure anjl progress on the western front. The enemy must further reinforce, because, despite peacetime boasts about the invulnerability of the permanent fortifications, the Germans must organise positions behind the threatened line. The importance of the occupation of the Warndt Forest lies in the fact that it is bounded on the north by the Saar River, possession of which would greatly strengthen the French position. It should be remembered that the advancing force must “ organise in depth ” in readiness for possible counter-attacks, and prepare successive lines of defence at the roar. A semi-official communique issued in Paris underlines the “ mopping up of ground between the Maginot Line '''and the “ West Wall,” and the consolidation of positions. When the process is complete, it will be possible to contemplate an attack on the V West Wall.” CASUALTIES IN POLAND GERMAN ESTIMATE BERLIN, September 9. (Received September 10, at 8 a.m.) The High Command states that the casualties in Poland average nine killed and 40 wounded for every 10,000 troops engaged. _______ PROTEST BY BELGIUM BRITISH BOMBERS VIOLATE NEUTRALITY LONDON, September 9. Belgium lias strongly protested to Britain against the violation of her neutrality. . A communique said that the Belgian Air Force had chased three big bombers. One British bomber was forced to land. Another was ordered to land, hut instead opened fire, wrecking one Belgian plane and forcing the occupants of another to parachute. The London correspondent of the United Press of America states that the Air Ministry confirmed that British and Belgian planes fought over Belgium last nght. The . British Ambassador at Brussels is apologising to BeL gium, blaming the weather conditions. Tiie Netherlands protested to Germany against the violation of her neutrality in connection with flights over Holland. The Netherlands tested the inundating system for flooding a portion 6f the province of Utrecht as a defence preparation measure. GRAF ZEPPELIN UNCONFIRMED REPORT OF DESTRUCTION LONDON, September 9. An ‘ Evening Star ’ (London) report, which is not confirmed, states that the dirigible Graf Zeppelin was blown up at Friedriclisbaven by sabotage. The report recalls a, Zurich message of last Monday, which stated that an explosion had been heard. CO-OPERATION WITH BRITAIN CANADIAN GOVERNMENT'S STAND OTTAWA, September 8. The Prime Minister (Mr W. Mackenzie King), in the House of Commons. stated that co-operation with Britain and France in theatres other than Canada and Newfoundland awaited consultation with the Allies. Armed co-operation at present would take the form of defence of the Atlantic _ coast and Newfoundland supplies, and in addition financial assistance would be rriven. Conferences would be necessary before intelligent and definite decisions could- be made for action in other theatres. _ . If the House of Commons did not support the Government in standing by Britain, it would have to find another Government, the Prime Minister said. No country in North Europe now calling itself neutral would bear the same name if Britain and France lost. 11 Germany won, isolation and neutrality would he mythical. He added that a British mission authorised to place orders had arrived to survey the munitions situation. The Prime Minister said he did not believe that conscription would be necessary, and he would not introduce it. Britain had indicated that the despatch of trained Air Force men would be the most effective and desirable means of co-operation . . Other forms of co-operation included economic pressure. Regulations were being imposed banning trading with the enemy and controlling enemy shipping and property. Canada would be a source of supply of a great amount of materials of war. A determined national effort was necessary to bring agriculture and industry to the highest efficiency. Close consultation was being maintained with Britain to ensure that Canada’s assistance should not be-unplanned and irresponsible. The Leader of the Opposition (Dr R. ,1. Manion, claimed that Canada was actually at war. ‘‘ When Britain is at war,” be said, “ Canada is at war. I do not believe that any part of the Empire can be neutral when another part is at war.” AMERICAN POLES CONTRIBUTION TO FIGHTING FUND NEW YORK. September 10. Ninety thousand Poles in New York state they will contribute a day's paxweekly to Poland.