EUROPEAN SCENE

New Zealand Listener, Volume 1, Issue 21, 17 November 1939, Page 2

EUROPEAN SCENE

War in the Air The greatest air battle since the war began was reported on November 8, when an official French communiqué stated that nine French planes had successfully attacked and routed 27 German fighters, after destroying 9 of the enemy planes. An official report stated that 10 German planes were brought down in October, compared with 28 in September. German scouting planes had made a flight over the Western Front. A German bomber was brought down over Roubaix and two or three others were forced down. Roubaix, in Northern France, is a big manufacturing town, and was visible from the New Zealand sector of trenches near Messines. Air Surveys On November 1 a British official report contained the information that the R.A.F, flights over Germany had been most successful and had revealed secret airdromes. The whole Western Front had been surveyed and photographed. Enemy air bases, the Siegfried Line and road and rail communications had been listed. There has been no confirmation of reported enemy raids over Britain. Four R.A.F. officers and one sergeant have been decorated by the King for gallantry in action. Western Front Wintry conditions on the Western Front seem to have called a halt to any great activity, and little news has been forthcoming this week. Heavy enemy artillery fire was reported on Nov. 5, including a howitzer bombardment of Foerbach and Saarguemines. Earlier in the week French communiqués reported that enemy raids had been repulsed and that the Germans were using shock troops for this raiding. There were no German troops on French soil. The first French trenches were some miles in front of the Maginot Line. Mr. Chamberlain reported that activity on the Western Front had been confined to local raiding parties and artillery fire. Despite the cold and wet, ‘the British Expeditionary Forces were concentrating on their defences. Holland Uneasy Reports from Holland indicate that the Dutch authorities are seriously disturbed. On November 7 Danish newspapers reported that German officers and men had been recalled from leave, air squadrons marshalled and that a big ‘German offensive was being prepared. Paris papers of the same date reported that there was an obvious threat of a German thrust through Holland. Martial law has been proclaimed in some parts of the country. Dutch military authorit-

ies have successfully tested the value of flooded areas as a defence against mechanised units. Tanks sank in the mud.

Belgium Disturbed Belgium is also disturbed, and on November 7 King Leopold of Belgium paid a surprise visit to Queen Wilhelmina of Holland to discuss the situation. German workmen were reported to be strengthening an extension of the Siegfried Line opposite Belgium and Luxembourg. Submarines Anti-submarine activities have been continued, though no great results have been officially reported. The bodies of five German sailors. wearing submarine escape apparatus, were found on the English coast, strengthening the belief that some of the U-boats have been disabled in various combats. The British ship, Egba, escaped from a U-boat attack when 240 miles east of Madiera. Fewer Shipping Losses Fewer Allied ships have been lost this week. An official communiqué stated that 2,500 Allied merchant ships had been guarded under the convoy system. There had been a loss of only

one ship in 300. Thirteen German merchant ships have been captured as prizes by the Allied navies, and eight others have been scuttled to avoid capture. During the first eight weeks of the war 500,000 tons of German contraband have been intercepted by the Allies.

Australia Will Be There Australia’s Prime Minist&, Mr. Menzies, stated that the estimated expenditure for defence would reach £59,500,000 this year. He also said that the Australian Expeditionary Force would be sent overseas unless circumstances rendered such a course undesirable.

Finland and Russia Nothing new has been reported to clarify the situation between Finland and Russia. Talks are still proceeding, after several delays. The Prime Minister of Finland, Professor Cajander, stated on November 6 that Finland was prepared to defend herself in all circumstances. Russian claims on Finland have been considerably reduced, and there are hopes of a peaceful settlement. City of Flint At the time of going to press dns American merchant steamer, City of Flint, had been released by Norway. The German prize crew had been interned, and the ship was free to proceed where she wished. The Norwegian Government had rejected Germany’s request that the crew should be released. International law was being invoked to clarify the situation. American Neutrality The United States Neutrality Bill was signed on November 4. The House of Representatives approved by 243 votes to 172. It was stated that 700 war *planes were waiting to be shipped to England and France. The British Minister of Supply, Dr. Burgin, stated in a broadcast to the German people from London that with America’s aid Britain and France would soon be producing double Germany’s output of airplanes. War Items The British, Australian and New Zealand air mission has begun formal talks in Ottawa. -Details of the British air defences have been shown to representatives of the Dominions and Indian Governments who are at present attending a conference in London. American newspapers report, without confirmation, the presence of the German pocket battleship, Admiral Scheer, in the Pacific Ocean. Belgrade reported on November 4 that Croat reservists had revolted and that 50 civilians had been killed. Twelve Polish divisions are expected to be ready in France by the spring.