NAZIS INVADE LOW COUNTRIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 May 1940, Page 5

NAZIS INVADE LOW COUNTRIES

Holland, Belgium and Lnxanbnrg Attacked Allied Nations Giving Immediate Assistance Aggressors Resisted Stoutly In Dutch & Belgian Frontier Regions

(By Telegraph—Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, May 10. German land and air forces in fhe early hours of this morning invaded the Netherlands/ Belgium and Luxemburg. General mobilisation has been ordered in Belgium and Holland/ and the armed forces are resisting and their defensive systems are being brought into operation. From 3 a.m. onward large numbers of bombers and parachute-troop transports swept over Holland, particularly the most important south-western regions. Many of the troops landed from the air have been engaged by the defenders. Practically the first German act against Belgium was the bombing of Brussels airport at 5 a.m. About 100 planes appeared over the city. Heavy casualties are reported. . , The Brussels radio announced: “Allied troops are on their way to Belgium s aid.” The British War Cabinet met at No. 10 Downing Street at 8 a.m. All members were present, and also the heads of the three Services. Ihe First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sir Dudley Pound, before entering, said: “Well, it has started at last!” The meeting lasted 35 minutes. A Paris message states that the War Office announces that a plan for an advance in the event of an enemy invasion of Belgium is being carried out. No mention of Allied troop movements will be allowed. Germany had presented the three States with memoranda declaring that the Allies were intending to attack through those countries. A message from Paris states that the Army intends to assist Belgium, and has been ordered to march immediately.

ALL POSSIBLE HELP

AT ONCE PROMISED BY ALLIES Development of the German Attacks DUTCH ARMY IN DEFENSIVE POSITIONS NO NEGOTIATIONS WITH ENEMY LONDON, May 10. The United States Ambassador in Belgium, Mr Cudahy, reported to Washington that Luxemburg was invaded by land and air. He said that the Germant attack was apparently general on the borders of Belgium, Holland and Luxemburg, and he added that planes were continuously bombing Brussels airport as he telephoned. The Belgium Foreign Office announces: “The Germans' invaded Belgium by air at about 5 a.m., attacking Brussels airport with bombs. All soldiers have been ordered to rejoin their units immediately. The Prime Minister (M. Pierlot) and other members of Cabinet have gone to see the King, ’ ’ King Leopold has assumed supreme command of the Belgian forces. The Cabinet has been sitting since midnight. Paris reports that Belgium has demanded British and French assistance. The Netherlands Army headquarters announced: “German troops crossed the frontier at 3 a.m. Germans attempted aerial attacks on several Dutch aerodromes, but the army and anti-aircraft guns were ready for them.’’ The announcement adds: “The inundations are effective according to the plans, while our anti-aircraft guns, as far as is known, have brought down six German planes. We will never enter into negotiations with the enemy. Our army is taking up defensive positions behind the flood system.’’ The Netherlands Government Press Agency announced that Holland is at war with Germany. A member of the Government in a statement said: “Holland will not submit to such treatment, and she will accept the challenge.’’ The Netherlands Legation in London has issued the statement: “We are now allies of Britain and France. ’ ’ A later report states that the legation announced: “Our appeal to Britain and France has been answered. They are coming to our assistance immediately.’’ It is officially announced in London that the Allies will render Belgium and Holland all the help they can.

FLAMING PROTEST

QUEEN OF HOLLAND SPEAKS TO HER PEOPLE UNPRECEDENTED VIOLATION. “DO YOUR DUTY EVERYWHERE" THE HAGUE, May 10. Queen V/ilhelmina issued the following proclamation to the people:—“l herewith launch a flaming protest against this unprecedented violation of all that is decent among cultured States. I and my Government will do our duty. Now do your duty everywhere. Everyone to the post to which he is appointed. HITLER AT FRONT LONDON, May 10. It has been announced that Herr Hitler has gone to the Western Front to take charge of operations. A Daventry message says Hitler has already handed out two Iron Crosses.

THREAT BY GOEBBELS

RESISTANCE TO BE BROKEN BY ALL MEANS, BERLIN, May 10. The Foreign Office has summoned newspapermen for an important announcement from Herr von Ribbentrop. The Minister of Propaganda, Dr. Goebbels, broadcasting from Berlin, said that Germany was invading Belgium and Holland as “friends of the people.” He added that any Belgian or Dutch resistance would be broken by all means. ANOTHER VICTIM? POINTS ON SWISS FRONTIER BOMBED. I LONDON, May 10. A Berne (Switzerland) message states: The Army announces that points on the Swiss frontier have been bombed.