FEAR OF INVASION

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20958, 10 November 1939, Page 6

FEAR OF INVASION

HOLLAND AND BELGIUM PRECAUTIONS TAKEN VERY CRITICAL SITUATION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Nov. 9 Optimism in the small neutral countries following the recent peace move seems to be on the wane. Holland and Belgium have taken fresh precautions against German troops massed on the border and further flooding areas are being prepared. Reports from the German frontier have been less reassuring in the past 24 hours, says the Amsterdam correspondent of the Times. It is reported from Emmerich, the German town on the Rhine just across the border, that two pontoon bridges are being built on the Rhine. It would be easy to convey them downstream into Holland. The affair of the smuggling of Dutch uniforms into Germany has assumed large proportions. A search of houses reveals that a number of uniforms have been smuggled in lately. Four Germans have been arrested on suspicion of purchasing Dutch military dress. One German suspect possessed an aeroplane. A despatch from Brussels says the Belgian Government regards the situation as being more critical than at any time since the outbreak of the war. The second class of reservists, estimated at 5000, has been called up. Aircraft, believed to be German, have repeatedly violated Belgium’s neutrality. The airmen have photographed fortified areas in spite of anti-aircraft gunfire. Advice to People The Belgian people have been told for the first time that their country may be invaded by the German forces which are massing on the frontier. The population has been advised how to act in the event of aerial bombardment. A censorship has been imposed to prevent the spread of alarmist reports. Military circles in Paris say that the German troops on the Dutch frontier have been considerably increased in the past few days. The Berlin correspondent of the Copenhagen Politiken says all German soldiers and air force officers who have been resting since the Polish campaign have been ordered to rejoin their units. The military correspondent in France for the New York Times, Mr G. H. Archambault, says there is a tendency to believe that a German offensive is near. At least the following points seem to be confirmed: Firstly, French aerial reconnaissance over enemy territory has noted the arrival of reinforcements on the Rhine-Moselle front and important additions to the troops concentrated along the Dutch border. Secondly, German aeroplanes have recently been flying over Belgium, most probably engaged in reconnaissance work. Prepared for Emergencies Thirdly, the Dutch military authorities have reinforced, and still are reinforcing, their defensive waterline. Fourthly, the Allied forces along the Belgian frontier have been fully prepared for all emergencies.