SIGNS ON THE WESTERN FRONT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20091, 10 November 1939, Page 7

SIGNS ON THE WESTERN FRONT

GERMAN TROOPS REINFORCED

INCREASED ACTIVITY ALONG THE LINE

SERIOUS VIEW TAKEN IN BRUSSELS

GROWING CONCERN IN AMSTERDAM

(Elec. Tel. Copyright-United Press Assn.) (Reed. Nov. 10, 11.10 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 9

A French communique reports increased activity on the whole of the Western Front with sharp local reconnaissance encounters, especially between the Moselle ami the baar. French and British planes made joint reconnaissance flights. Nazi planes dropped pamphlets over France, including' the suburbs of Paris.

A report from Berlin states that a German communique to-day announced: “Enemy attacks were repulsed south-west, of Saarbruckcn. Enemy planes shot down last Tuesday have boon found to the number of seven, including a British machine. Two French planes and two balloons were shot down on Wednesday. One German plane is missing.

The military correspondent of the New York Times, Mr. G. 11. Arehambault, in a message sent from Paris yesterday, said that there was a tendency to believe that German offensive operations were near. “At least, the following points seem to be confirmed,” stated the correspondent. “Firstly, French aerial reconnaissance units over enemy territory have noted the arrival of reinforcements on the Rliine-Moselle front and important additions of troops concentrated along the Netherlands border. Secondly, German aeroplanes, which have been recently flying over Belgium, most probably were engaged in reconnaissance work. Thirdly, the Netherlands military authorities have reinforced and are still reinforcing the defensive waterline. Fourthly, the Allied forces along the Belgian frontier are fully prepared for all emergencies.” Belgian Reservists Called Up. A report from Brussels says that the second class of reservists estimated at 5000 has been called up. Aircraft which are believed to be German, have repeatedly violated Belgium’s neutrality and photographed fortified areas, despite tiro from anti-aircraft guns. The Belgians have been told for the first time that their country may he invaded by German forces, who arc massing on the frontier.

The Belgian population has been advised how to act in the event of aerial bombardment. Censorship has been imposed to prevent the spread of alarmist reports. The Belgian Government regards the situation as more critical than at any time since the outbreak of the war.

Military circles in Paris to-clay said that German troops on the Netherlands frontier have been considerably increased ip the last few days.

The Amsterdam correspondent ol The Times says that observers felt that the offer made by Queen Wilhelmina and King Leopold of their services in the cause of peace was an attempt to postpone Nazi pressure on neutrals to join Germany. Practical results are not expected. Reports from the German frontier have been less reassuring in the last 24 hours. It is reported from Emmerich that two pontoon bridges, winch would be easy to convey downstream to Holland, are being built on the Rhine.

The Berlin correspondent of the Copenhagen paper Politiken says that all German soldiers and air force officers who have been resting since the Polish campaign, have been ordered to rejoin their units.