OPINION IN BRITAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 May 1940, Page 6

OPINION IN BRITAIN

KEEN REGRET OVER DUTCH SURRENDER

MINGLED WITH SYMPATHY. VITAL TEST YET TO COME. (Received This Day. 9.35 a.m.) RUGBY, May 15. The proclamation, announcing abandonment of fighting in the Netherlands, with the exception of Zeeland, caused keen disappointment in Britain. The motives of General Winkelman, however, are well understood and there is a new feeling of sympathy for the Dutch. The presence of the Dutch Government in London had already indicated that Holland might soon be overrun, involving an appalling destruction and loss of civilian life to little purpose and the surrender was not unexpected in informed circles here.

Military experts all along emphasised that it would not be in Holland that the main battle would be fought.

The proclamation, it is noted, concerns the troops engaged in the Netherlands fighting. It does not include naval units and it is specifically stated, from the seat of the Dutch Government, that Holland is still at war with Germany. The importance of Zeeland to the Allies lies in the fact that this province includes Dutch territory at the mouth of the Scheldt, covering not only the approaches to Antwerp but the general defences of Belgium. Meanwhile the attack on the Maginot Line between Sedan and Metz continues. This also accords with anticipations, for this part of the Line is less strong than the belt of fortifications opposite the German frontier. The fullest preparations to meet the present attack, had, however, been made. Attention meanwhile is directed to the fighting on the Meuse. "Important though that battle is,” says the “Daily Mail,” “it will not be decisive. In contesting the advance through the Low Countries, the Allies are forcing the enemy to sustain' expensive losses before he faces the main defences.” Other military correspondents remark that whilo ruthlessness may have profited the Germans in Holland, it will have less effect against Britain and France. All precautions against totalitarian methods of war have already been taken in the Maginot Line area and other prospective battlefields.