DUTCH ALARMED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 136, 9 May 1940, Page 10

DUTCH ALARMED

DRASTIC PRECAUTIONS. RHINE CLOSED TO SHirS (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, May 7. The cancellation of all leave in Holland has surprised the public. It affords concrete evidence of the increasing tension of Germany’s neighbours. The official statement describes the. measure as jjrecautionary in. view ol the increased uncertainty of the international situation.

This is the first time since the outbreak of the war that ail Dutch leave has been cancelled. It increases the number of mobilised troops at least by one-tenth The order applies to workers in war industry. Supplementary orders have recalled to the colours two classes of marines specially trained foi coastguard duties. It is also announced that the mouths of the Meuse and the Rhine will be closed to shipping between May 11 and May 13. Traffic is prohibited on water roads in South-Eastern Holland for the same period.

Reports from Tne Hague declare that observers are discussing the possibility of a landing being attempted on the Dutch coast because the Allied navies are mainly occupied elsewhere. The Times Brussels correspondent says Holland’s action is believed to be partly duo to reports of increased concentrations of German troops opposite the provinces of Groningen and Drente. There is also great military activity in Hamburg and other German North Sea ports, BELGIANS ALERT. A Belgian War Office official declared: “We are always alert, hut there is no reason to suppose we will follow the Dutch example, although it is impossible to predict what may be necessary to-morrow or the day after.” The Belgians are convinced the war will be won or lost in the West and are therefore relieved that the Allies have not become too deeply involved in Norway. The German Press is hinting at the possibility of air raids against British shipyards. A later message from Amsterdam states that all outgoing international telephone calls and teleprinter communications from Holland have been suspended without explanation.