Nazis Invade Low Countries And Switzerland

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 138, 11 May 1940, Page 7

Nazis Invade Low Countries And Switzerland

LAND AND AIR ATTACKS BELGIANS RESIST STRONGLY AMIES TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION GENERAL GAMELIN’S DECISIVE CALL (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) Received May 11, 9.30 a.m. LONDON, May 10. German land and air forces in the early hours of this morning invaded the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg. Points on the Swiss frontier have been bombed. General mobilisation has been ordered in Belgium and Holland, and the armed forces are resisting and.their defensive systems are being brought into operation. From 3 a.m. onward large numbers of bombers and parachute-troop transports swept over Holland, particularly the most important south-western regions. Many of the troops who landed from the air have been engaged by the defenders. Practically the first German act against Belgium was the bombing of Brussels airport at 5 a.m.

About 100 ’planes appeared over the city. Heavy casualties are reported. The Brussels radio announced: “Allied troops are on their way to Belgium’s aid.” The Minister of Defence (General Denys) has informed the Belgian Parliament that the German advance has been checked at all points. The German bombings of Belgian aerodromes were unsuccessful, as the Belgian ’planes had been removed a few hours previously. The British and French Governments have announced that they reserve the right to take any action considered appropriate in the event of the enemy bombing British and French civilian populations, or those in countries assisted by the United Kingdom. General Gamelin (Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces), in his order of the de- ' Glared: “The attack which we have foreseen since last October has been launched. Germany is engaged in a war to the death against us. Here is the password for France and all her Allies, ‘Courage! Energy! Confidence’!’’