SCARE IN WEST

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 136, 9 May 1940, Page 9

SCARE IN WEST

NAZI INVASION. RUMOURS PERSIST. BELGO-DUTCH STEPS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegrapn—Copyright.) .■} Received May 9, 9.30 a.m. BRUSSELS, May 8. The Cabinet lias been unexpectedly summoned, and is believed .to be discussing the Dutcii emergency measures. - A Government spokesman said some Belgian troops bad been ordered to remain in barracks.

A.French AA r ar Office spokesman said rumours of a German invasion of Holland can be interpreted as a propaganda campaign to worry the neutrals.

NETHERLANDS TENSION. The whole machinery of Holland’s unique defence system is ready for instant operation (says an Amsterdam message). Sentries aye constantly patrolling the bridges and canals along the famous water line, stretching from the Zuider Zee to tlie Maas (Mouse) River. Coastal guards are also vigilant and foreign ’planes have been torhidden to land at the Schiphol Aerodrome, near Amsterdam. Military police are posted at all Government buildings. It is estimated that 600,000 are undef arms.. The tension has slightly relaxed after the announcement of minor exemptions from the general cancellation of army leave and also the storation of normal service on the electrified railways. At Brussels, Cabinet decided that further precautions were unnecessary.

A Berlin message says that a AVilhelmstrassc spokesman declared that Germany was prepared to strike decisively at any point where the enemy aimed a blow r . When tlie inquirer asked whether the Netherlands frontier was included tlie spokesman answered, “Obviously.” All ages seem involved in the latest wholesale German call to the colours.