EFFECTIVE DEFENCE.
DUTCH REGAIN AIRPORTS. PARIS. May 11. ■ The Dutch Foreign Minister (Dr. Viari Kleffens) stated that the large Dutch cruiser Sumatra had left England to do its bit. The enemy’s first act was to sow magnetic mines in all Dutch harbours, but these were mopped up last evening. Two-thirds of tlie' Dutch gold deposits were sent /'abroad before the invasion. The rest was also going abroad. Describing the recapture of the Rotterdam airport, Dr. Van Ivleffens said it followed the recapture of The Hague airport, which changed hands three times yesterday. “We need reinforcements in order to conclude the mopping-up of parachuters, because our First Armv Corps has to deal with t|ie situation in Northern and Southern Holland.. “The Dutch Navy plaved an important part' in the recapture of Dordrecht, where the German force, including aeroplanes, men and stores,, was completely wiped out. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that we had succeeded in resisting the Germans at Yssel, becaime it was never intended to be a principal line of resistance.” Dr. Van Kleffens said the Dutch will never ask for more help than is really
needed. Describing the extensive German •espionage in Holland before the invasion, he mentioned the case of the president of the German Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam, who enjoyed Dutch hospitality for 20 years, but the complete plan of the Dutch inundation system was found in his pocket. The traitor is now languishing in gaol. . German espionage in the Dutch East Indies is not so complete. Strong air, land and naval forces in the East Indies included 120 American bombers and TOO fighters, while by far the greater part of the Dutch Navy is remaining in the Far East. Dr. Van Kleffens added that there were heavy coastal batteries in the East Indies. “The'question of British protection there does not arise because Holland is well armed there,” Tie said. “It would be a most serious enterprise for anybody to attack the East Indies.”
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Bibliographic details
Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 139, 13 May 1940, Page 7
Word Count
329EFFECTIVE DEFENCE. Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 139, 13 May 1940, Page 7
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