NEUTRAL STATUS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20095, 15 November 1939, Page 11

NEUTRAL STATUS

BELGIANS—DUTCH CONDITIONAL PEACE - SIEGFRIED LINE FORTS SIGNS OF DISCONTENT FEELINGS IN GERMANY (Klee. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Nov. 14, 2.50 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 13. Berlin reports quote the German news agency which states that Germany intends to respect the neutrality of Belgium and Holland as long as Britain and France respect it and as long as Belgium and Holland show themselves capable of preserving neutrality.

An Amsterdam message quotes the newspaper Handelsbrad which says that the extension of the Siegfried Line opposite the Dutch frontier is proceeding feverishly in accordance with Herr Hitler’s orders, apparently ns a precaution against a British or French invasion of Germany through Belgium and Holland. The 'Rotterdam correspondent of The Times says that Herr Hitler's reply to the Belgian and Netherlands mediation offer should be handed over to-morrow. The Netherlands Government does not regard the door as closed. Allied Tactical Success

The Paris correspondent of the New York Times states that the situation created by the Belgian and Dutch initiative and the British and FrencU replies is undoubtedly proving to be an Allied tactical success, placing on Germany the responsibility of the future of the Netherlands and the fact that negotiations are no longer being carried on by the exchange of diplomatic notes, but with armies in the field.

“The Allies previously were at a disadvantage by the fact that the Nazis were prepared to act militarily if their demands were not satisfied,” continues the correspondent. “Now t'ne Allies match the Hitlerian diplomacy with an even greater show of force.

“It is evident that the opportune moment for attack, either on Belgium or Holland has passed. Sporadic Opposition

“It is believed that the Munich incident and the ferocity with which the Gestapo is suppressing manifestations of sporadic opposition to the regime are symptomatic of discontent which neutrals declare is openly discussed in all circles. “One of the most curious features of discontent is that the National Communists, the Left Wing Nazis, are beginning to become most prominent. There is the inevitable reaction among industrialists, landowners, the middle classes and the military against the National Communists, so a division within the Nazi Party is becoming more marked daily.” False hopes of a quick disintegration of the party and the collapse of Herr Hitler’s supreme authority are, however. discouraged in Franco, though the hesitation in launching a total war and the Munich outrage are interpreted by neutrals as proof that division has begun to reign where previously Herr Hitler’s clean cut decisions were everybody's law.