SILENT WAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 July 1941, Page 6

SILENT WAR

MOBILISATION OF V ARMY EUROPE’S OPPRESSED GQEBBELS TRIES TO STEAL SYMBOL. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, July 20. A silent warfare of millions throughout the German-oeen-pied countries against the Nazi oppressors has begun. As Big Ben ceased striking midnight last night Colonel Britton, in a dramatic broadcast, launched the V campaign. “Mobilisation of the V army has begun,’’ he said. He read the following message for all occupied countries from Mr Churchill: "The V sign is the symbol of the unconquerable will in the occupied territories and a portent of the fate that is awaiting the Nazi tyranny. As long as the peoples of Europe continue to refuse all collaboration with the invader it is certain that his cause will perish and that Europe will be liberated/ Colonel Britton added: “At this moment men and women all over Europe are dedicating themselves to ..a continuation of this war against Nazi Germany, till the V is triumphant. In a few minutes there will be millions of new V’s on walls, doors and pavements, all over Europe. “IL is dark now. If you listen you may hear distinct bugles sound the V rhythm, or drums tapping it. Perhaps you will hear a train whistle sounded by one of your comrades. The darkness is your chance, too. Put up your V as a member of (hat vast V army. Do it during the daytime, too. Tap it out so that your comrades of the V army will hear it, and so that the Germaps will hear it also. “The V army must be disciplined. When the moment comes it will act in such a way that the Germans will be powerless. But wait for the word. Today we sign on. Good luck to you!” The bankruptcy of German propaganda methods is demonstrated by the frantic adoption of the “Vichy victory” sign by Dr Goebbels as the symbol of Nazi achievement. The German Transocean news service has solemnly announced that the letters V as a symbol of the victory of the Germans on all fronts for a new Europe made a sudden public appearance on July 17 in most European capitals. A London broadcaster said that Germans would soon claim that “R.A.F.” really stands for the initials of the Luftwaffe, and that the Czech motto, “Let Truth Prevail,” always has been part of the family crest of Goebbels.