KING’S SYMPATHY

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

KING’S SYMPATHY

MESSAGES TO RULERS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 11. King George, in a telegram to the King of the Belgians, expresses the depth of his disgust at the crime of the German invasion of Belgian territory in violation of international law and specific assurances, and admiration for the gallant resistance being made by the Belgian people. “For the second time within a quarter of a century Germany has made an unprovoked atttack upon your country, and, once more, in accordance with the obligations assumed by my Government and the French Government, Allied forces are hastening to support your people. I have complete faith that togethr our arms will again prevail and that Belgium will maintain her freedom and independence. “In this critical hour I wish to convey to Your Majesty and your people the expression of sympathy and admiration for your country which is felt by my peoples throughout the world.” In a message to the Queen of the Netherlands, His Majesty says the neutrality so strictly observed by the Netherlands since the outbreak of the war had been grossly outraged. The remainder of the message was similar to that sent to King Leopold. A telegram expressing horror at the unwarranted German invasion and sympathy for her people was also sent by the King to the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. DEPLORED BY HERTZOG.' AFRIKANDERS HORRIFIED. CAPETOWN, May 11. General Hertzog’s newspaper Vaderland (hitherto with a pro-German tendency), says: “The civilised world will not forgive the German crime in invading Holland. Afrikanderdom is horrified that the Motherland is plunged into a death struggle with the invader.” Dr. Malan’s newspaper Transvaaler says the invasion comes as a shock. The newspaper expresses sympathy with Belgium and Holland and contends that Afrikanders’ neutrality policy is not affected. Dr. Malan, Leader of the Opposition Nationalists, and General Hertzog, have previously expressed anti-British sentiments in regard to the war policy. PAPAL BLESSING. PEOPLE OF LOW COUNTRIES. VATICAN CITY, May 11. The Pope has sent sympathetic messages to King Leopold, Queen Wilhelmina and the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. His message to King Leopold reads: “We send to you and your entire nation so beloved by us an assurance of paternal affection. While praying that this stern trial may end with the restoration of Belgium’s full liberty- and independence we send our Apostolic blessing with all our heart.” Queen Wilhelmina has telegraphed to the King, of Italy appealing to “the noble sentiments always shewn by the House of Savoy and his humanitarian feelings in the present conflict thrust upon Holland.” King Leopold, in a broadcast proclamation, has sent fraternal greetings to his ■ courageous soldiers in whom he has confidence the same as his father in the last war. “Thanks r.o her national effort Belgium is much stronger than in 1914,” he said. “The struggle will be hard, but Belgium will triumph.” .