DRAMA RE-ENACTED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 139, 13 May 1940, Page 8

DRAMA RE-ENACTED

SECOND “SCRAP OF PAPER.” LITTLE BELGIUM’S FATE. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 10. A Dutch General Military Headquarters communique, after declaring “neither will the High Command nor the Government enter into negotiations with the enemy,” warns the people of Holland to distrust all radio announcements and handbills mentioning the suspension of resistance or negotiations with the aggressor, or of advice from the German radio against an attack from the Allied side. The announcement this morning that the British and French Governments were taking immediate steps to go to the assistance of Holland and Belgium with all the means at their command was followed by the French War Office assurance that the plan prepared in advance in the event of an enemy invasion of Belgium was being carried out. Meanwhile Brussels reported that British and French troops were mov11,S’ SERIES OF RAIDS. Other authoritative information received from Brussels reports air attacks on several centres, particularly Brussels and Antwerp. The bombing of Brussels began at five in the morning and continued until 6.15 a.m. Every aerodrome near the capital was attacked, and the military hospital at Bcrgenopzoon was among the places bombed. King Leopold and the Royal Family are remaining in Belgium. The Belgian wireless announces that the Premier (M. Pierlot), in a speech in the Belgian Parliament, said the German Government solemnly declared on October 13, 1936, that “Germany will never violate the integrity of Belgium in any circumstances whatsoever.” To-day, events proved for the second time in 25 years what worth could he attached to German promises. France and Britain, according to their guarantee were giving all the military, naval, and aerial support in their power. Holland, Luxembourg, and Belgium were united as never before. Belgium had neglected nothing for her defence. , The Foreign Minister (Dr Paul Spaak) said: “We hoped until the last minute. Last night, however, at 9 o’clock we learned that German troops opposite th© Belgian frontier had started marching. Then we understood! At four this morning we learned that two Dutch aerodromes had been bombed. A few minutes later we saw the first German bomber circling over Brussels from a window of the Foreign Office. THE SECOND TIME. Dr Spaak told the German Ambassador: This is the second time since 1914 that neutral and loyal Belgium has been invaded. This time the crime is even greater, since no Note of protest was presented to Belgium, which learned only by the assault itself that the Belgo-German pacts were broken. The greater part of the gold reserve of Holland lias already been sent to America and the remainder has reached France safely. FLEET AT EGYPT. ALEXANDRA, May 11. The Allied Flet in the Near East has been further appreciably strengthened.