OPERATIONS AT DAWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 April 1940, Page 5

OPERATIONS AT DAWN

BRITISH AND FRENCH FLEETS CO-OPERATE STOPPAGE OF ROUTES USED BY GERMANY ANY MOVE BY ENEMY TO BE COUNTERED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 9.35 a.m.) LONDON, April 8. The British and French fleets jointly carried out mine-laying operations in Norwegian waters at dawn. Mines have been laid off Vestfjord, roughly 40 miles long by five miles wide, across the mouth of the fiord which is likely to seal effectively the German trade route to Narvik. Other mined areas extend 8 to 10 miles to sea, forcing German ships outside Norwegian waters. It is reported that a substantial number of ships have been slipping along these waters and evading contraband control. German raiders have also been slipping out to attack British trade routes. It obviously is not the purpose of the Allies to extend the aiea of war, but it is felt that they should certainly react sharply to any military action on the part of Germany against Scandinavia. Any German action will be followed by British counteraction, while, should Norway sweep up the mines, Britain will lay down more.

FLAGRANT VIOLATION ALLEGED IN SWEDEN. REACTION IN GERMANY. (Received This Day, 9.35 a.m.) LONDON, April 8. Official circles in Stockholm consider the Allies’ action a flagrant violation of neutrality, but no official pronouncement has been made. Authorised sources in Berlin predict that the effect of the Allies’ action will be tremendous. They describe it as a far-reaching decision. A Foreign Office official said developments of the greatest importance can be expected, the nature of which will depend on Norway's attitude.

GERMAN WARSHIPS REPORTED MOVE THROUGH. ■ GREAT BELT. ABSENCE OF CONFIRMATION.. (Received This Day, 9.35 a.m.) LONDON, April 8. A despatch from the Copenhagen correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says unconfirmed reports state that German warships began moving through the Great Belt in Danish waters today, in the direction of Norway.

FLEET MOVEMENTS OSLO CORRESPONDENT’S REPORT. (Received This Day, 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, April 8. _ The Associated Press of America s Oslo correspondent reported that fifty German warships, including battleships, cruisers and mine-sweepers were moving northward towards the Skagerrak. It is also reported that British battleships and cruisers were sighted off the Norwegian coast.

ENEMY FLOTILLA MOVEMENTS IN SOUTHERN BALTIC. (Received This Day, 10.15 a.m.) COPENHAGEN, April 8. The “Aftonbladet” says ninety to a hundred German warships, mostly armed trawlers, coastal craft and minesweepers are steaming northward in the direction of The Skagerrak. Another report says several German warships are at present in the Kattegat.

NORWAY’S PROTEST MR. KOHT REFUSES TO MAKE STATEMENT. (Received This Day, 9.35 a.m.) OSLO, April 8. Following a three-hour meeting of the Norwegian Cabinet the Government protested to London. It demands the removal of mines and warships. Professor M. H. Koht, the Foreign Minister, said: "Norway reserves the right to take any steps necessary as the result of a violation of neutrality.” M. Koht was in bod when he first heard the news. He refused to make a statement. The British and French Ministers early presented identical Notes to Norway. British warships are reported io be heavily guarding the minefields.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED DETAILS OF NORWEGIAN PROTEST. DEFENCE OF SEA TRAFFIC WITH GERMANY. (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) OSLO, April 8. A communique states:, "The Government protests strongly against an obvious breach of international law. against a violation of Norwegian sovereignty and neutrality with force. Norway throughout the war has strictly adhered to th - rules of neutrality. It is only in accordance with those generally approved rules that she has kept her waters open for all legitimate sea traffic of the belligerent countries. As the British and French Governments have taken measures to barricade our walers for imports to go to Germany the Norwegian Government must recall iha. the British Government on March 11, made an agreement with Norway, consenting to Norwegian goods, even those regarded as war contraband, being sold and transmitted to Germany. The Norwegian Government had no reason to expect that the Allied Governmenfe would seek to check these supplies with force. The Government can in no way approve the action of belligerent countries laying mines in Norwegian waters, and must demand that the mines be immediately removed and guarding foreign warships withdrawn. Norway finally reserves the right to take any steps necessary as the result of this violation of neutrality.