FRENCH LINES HOLD

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 141, 15 May 1940, Page 7

FRENCH LINES HOLD

DESPITE BIG ATTACK. FIGHTING ROUND SEDAN. . Received Mav 15, 10.20 a.m. LONDON, May 14. French military dispatches admit that- the Germans have entered Sedan, a French frontier fortress on the Meuse where the French surrendered in the Franco-Prussian war. The French communique refers merely to the “evacuation” of Sedan and does not say whether this alludes to the civilian or entire population, but the latest, unofficial Paris reports stated that the French were holding out in and around Sedan, despite an intense attack by an armoured column, supported by dive-bombing and machine-gunning aeroplanes. A French military spokesman stated that the Germans had nowhere yet forced the French fortified lines and had not yet tried to cross the Meuse, beyond which the French were ready for them. , An earlier report issued in Pans stated: “The German attack is developing witli increased violence. The enemy has reached the Meuse from Liege to Namur and to Sedan (Northern France). The latter lias been evacuated. Particularly desperate fighting is proceeding in the immediate vicinity of Sedan, also in the region of Dinant. The battle from Lon gw v- to tbe Moselle continues. French and Allied troops are fighting gallantly against the enemy, who arc making the most intense efforts, chiefly by means of tanks and aircraft- “ Sixteen enemy aeroplanes were brought down yesterday additional to the 15 mentioned in the night communique.” The 8.8 C.’s German language news bulletin announced that German parachutists landing in Britain in nonGerman uniforms would immediately tie stint. A French night communique states: “Northward of the Meuse we continued to advance and o:, • organisation was according to plan. The enemy attacked our actual front at two points. We repulsed him with heavy loss to Ins tanks. “On the Meuse southward of Namur the Germans attempted to. cross the river at several points. V e counterattacked. Fighting continues, especially in the Sedan region, where the enemy is making an effort with furious ohstirmey anil heavy casualties. AYestwa.nl of the Moselle the Germans delivered local attacks which were repulsed. Our ’planes powerfully and efficiently intervened in a battle. We successfully bombed strategic points and military ennvovs. Fifteen German ’planes were shot down in our territory.” THREATENED FROM REAR (From Daventrv.) . A statement issued by the Dutch Legation in London said that the main forces of the Dutch Army behind the water line were threatened from the rear and further resistance was useless. Moreover, Rotterdam had been heavily bombed and Utrecht had been threatened with destruction. General Winkelmann, in a statement to the troops, said: “Do not forget you are Netherlanders. Remember at all times that the Netherlands has not lost its' existence, but will rise again as a free nation. . . Wc had to surrender. The limit had been reached to-day. Our civilians were losing their lives.” It was reported in London that the Germans are making a supreme effort to break through the Allied positions and achieve a quick decision. The battle lias been joined.