GERMAN THRUST

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 114, 12 April 1940, Page 7

GERMAN THRUST

EXPECTED IN WEST. INDICATIONS GIVEN. WARNING TO FRENCH. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received April 12, 9.55 a.m. PARIS, April 11. The military authorities have warned the French to he prepared for possible heavy fighting' on the Western Front. “The events in Northern Europe should not lead us to forg'et the Western Front,” they stated. “Preparations have been observed at various points which could indicate that an attack is coming-.”

A French official morning communique reports a quiet night on the Lorraine and Alsace front. Two enemy reconnaissance ’planes were brought down early to-day by French fighters. This evening’s French official communique states: “To the west of tho Vosges thero was some enemy artillery fire, which was vigorously returned by the French artillery.” The Amsterdam Telegraaf’s Berlin correspondent, claiming to reflect German diplomatic views, expresses the opinion that the Germans are likely to make further drives in other directions, probably westward. They cannot afford to sit still because their front now extends ovet COO miles and can easily be attacked. GERMAN PLIGHT. The efficacy of the Allied blockades is tlie real reason for Germany’s invasion of Scandinavia. The Polish campaign used up vast quantities of material and tho hard winter and tlie transport crisis hampered economic activity. The commercial treaty between Russia and Germany lias not yielded the expected benefits, the Allied policy in the Balkans preventing Germany obtaining sufficient supplies there. Moreover, an exceptionally poor harvest is expected in Germany -and the whole of south-eastern Europe. In short, Germany’s economic position is parlous. The general feeling in Holland is that events have increased the direct danger to Holland, but the Dutch are confident and well prepared. German soldiers have begun to close the few frontier barricades left open and have erected tank barricades.