NEUTRAL NATIONS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20036, 7 September 1939, Page 6

NEUTRAL NATIONS

RESPECT BY BRITAIN FULLEST GUARANTEES TAKING ALL PRECAUTIONS INSTRUCTION TO AIRMEN (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1.30 p.m. RUGBY, Sept. 6. Reports of violation 'by aircraft of the neutrality of Denmark and Holland raise a grave question which is closely examined in the press. The Daily Telegraph says: “Britain has given the fullest possible guarantees to neutrals that their territory will be respected. In the instructions to airmen all precautions will be taken against the likelihood of a mistake being made owing to loss of bearings. “In this matter every interest of the Allies is to avoid any infraction of the law they have laid down themselves. France and Britain have taken up arms on behalf of the independence of weaker Powers, and no thought of military advantage will at any time during the war induce them knowingly to infringe the neutrality of those countries which have chosen to remain outside the conflict. “To Holland and Belgium in particular it is an essential to their situation that they should not be made a theatre of any operations, whether by land or air. That fact is recognised by the Allies, who will, if it s'hould become necessary, safeguard the freedom of other small nations as they are endeavouring to preserve that of Poland.” The Ministry of Economic Warfare which has now been established is the fruit of two years of organisation. While economic warfare must be regarded as a vital offensive arm, every effort will be made to take account of the interests and trading needs of neutral countries.