STATES IN ARMS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20028, 29 August 1939, Page 6

STATES IN ARMS

SUPPLY PROBLEMS RESTRICTION OF EXPORTS DEFENCES OF FRONTIERS VIGILANCE OF PATROLS CURRENCY PROTECTION (Eloc. Tel. Copyright-—United Press Assn.) (Reed. August 29, 1 p.m.) . THE HAGUE, August 28. Queen W.ilhelmina, of Holland, broadcasting at The Hague to-day, announced that the gravity of the situation necessitated the mobilisation of the army, but she counselled her hearers not to abandon hope f° r peace while the negotiations continued.

She added: “Holland Will observe strict neutrality. No party to hostilities will drag her into war. We must use our full strength to maintain our neutrality and security. “I know my people will do their duty. I think of every son and every father in this regard, but women will be ready to make the sacrifice. All will be united in the spirit of unity. I count on that.” Brussels reports state that the second stage of mobilisation of the Belgium army has been ordered. The export of foodstuffs, raw materials, iron, ammunition and hides is prohibited.

Assurance to Belgium

The .British Ambassador, Sir Robert Clive, to-day handed over to the King of Belgium, Britain’s note unconditionally respecting Belgium’s neutrality. The German military authorities in Berlin are reported to be halting civilian motor cyclists and commandeering the machines for reservists.

The German liner Europa, carrying 45 Britons and Americans, went to Bremen, not calling at Southampton where 40 Germans waited vainly. A Helsingfors message states that the Bank of Finland, in order to safeguard Finnish currency, has released it from sterling. In Budapest, the Hungarian Supreme Defence Council met to consider defence measures in the event of an emergency. A Geneva message states that the Government of Switzerland has ordered the mobilisation of troops. The frontier will be patrolled from 4 a.m. to-morrow.

In Munich long queues of anxious housewives awaited for the shops to open at 7 a.m., when rationing came into operation. Purchases were so heavy that most shops were compelled to close at 8 a.m.