PLANS FOR INVASION

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21189, 12 August 1940, Page 8

PLANS FOR INVASION

BRITAIN READY UNITED WAR EFFORT (United Press Assn.—Elcc. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Aug. 11 The Berlin correspondent of the Swiss newspaper National Zeitung, says that Germany is eagerly awaiting the “blitzkreig,” which the German newspaper declare is imminent. The Harburger Fremdenblatt, which is often regarded as speaking for the Foreign Office, says:— “ The attack will be made in the near future, when the German defence forces will again demonstrate their immeasurable superiority. “ Napoleon, in spite of all preparations, flinched at the last moment in attempting to conquer this island,” the German journal adds, “ but the Reich’s modern weapons can end Britain’s insularity, although, admittedly, such an undertaking has not yet succeeded.” “Shoot to Kill” Although the threat of a German attack is not underrated, the defences of Britain are considered formidable, and they are daily growing stronger. The order to the defenders circling the coasts is: “ Stand fast.” The order to the Home Guards is: “ Shoot to kill.” It is emphasised that Britain is prepared for thfe utmost sacrifice, even to compelling civilians to remain in their homes if they become part ot the battle line, and thus preventing any military disadvantage from streams of refugees obstructing essential traffic. Major-General Sir Charles Gwynn, the military commentator, says:— “ Hitler has apparently decided that an invasion of Britain is the only course which could yield the rapid victory he requires. “ There will probably be longrange raids from Norwegian and German ports, aimed at the dispersion of the British naval and aerial defences. In spite of the completeness of the German preparations, they are no guarantee of success. Britain’s counter preparations on sea, air, and land are no less formidable.” Training of Women An Amazon Defence Corps has been formed in Britain to train women for defence duties. “ I personally carry a truncheon, with which I could easily kill a man if a rifle were not available,” said the secretary of the corps, Miss Nora Robbins, in an interview. “ We have had an overwhelming response to our appeal for recruits. “ Army instructors are training the women to drill and use rifles. Many Amazons are already crack shots, and demand the right to stand shoulder to should with the Home Guard. “ The spirit animating members of the services exists in their mothers and wives, and should be harnessed effectively in our united war effort.” Careless Talk Stopped Examples of Britain’s growing readiness to repel an invasion include listening by Post Office officials to telephone conversations with the South Coast. They break in and ask the speakers to change the subject if what is being discussed might help the enemy. These officials are most active after air raids. One of them explained that people talked carelessly after a raid, in their anxiety to know where the bombs had fallen, and without realising the danger of discussing such things by telephone.