TOPICS OF THE DAY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21195, 19 August 1940, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE DAY

Invasion by Air Hitler used two devices to get the Netherlands within his power, writes M. van Blankenstein when discussing in the Spectator the prospects of a German invasion of Britain by air. Hitler reckoned on quick success if his armies invaded the country by parachute and transport planes. With the assistance of the “fifth column,” the invaders should have captured the Royal Family and the Government within twelve hours. This was the plan found on the body of General von Sponcck and reported to the Netherlands General Staff. But the plan failed completely. When Holland collapsed, because the German army in the south had crossed the Moerdijk bridge, the Dutch had just succeeded in mastering the air-invaders. They had first been fought by untrained troops from recruiting depots. These were supported by the army corps guarding the coast. After that the efforts to capture Holland from within were brought to a stop. Holland succumbed under the pressure of superior might. It must be said, however, that the reason this pressure could prove immediately fatal was that air-invaders, fifth columnists and troops hidden in ships had succeeded in capturing the Moerdijk bridge on the first day of the invasion.