DEFENCES MANNED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 May 1940, Page 6

DEFENCES MANNED

VIGILANT WATCH IN HOLLAND

BIG FORCE MOBILISED

FOREIGN PLANES FORBIDDEN TO LAND.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Dav, 12,10 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, May 8. The whole of the machinery of Holland’s unique defence system is ready for instant operation. Sentries are constantly patrolling the bridges and canals along the famous water line, stretching from the Zuider Zee to the Maas River. Coastal guards are also vigilant, and foreign planes have been forbidden to land at Schiphol aerodrome, near Amsterdam. Military police arc posted at all Government buildings. It is estimated that GOO.OOO men are under arms. The tension was. slightly relaxed after an announcement of minor exemptions from the genera] cancellation of army leave, also the restoration of normal services on the electrified railways. BELGIAN CABINET PRECAUTIONS CONSIDERED SUFFICIENT. (Received This Dav. 12.10 p.m.) BRUSSELS. May 8. Cabinet, has decided that further precautions are unnecessary. INVASION REPORTS DENIED BY MINISTER TO U.S.A. AFTER RADIOPHONE TALK WITH THE HAGUE. (Received This Dav. 12.50 p.m.) WASHINGTON. May 8. The Netherlands Minister Io the United States announced that, he had radiophoned Netherlands officials at the Hague, and ascertained that reports that two German columns wore moving towards the Dutch border, for invasion. were “absolutely incorrect." It. is understood that. he. has been appointed paymaster for Netherlands nationals abroad, but the appointment is effective only if an emergency arises.