1940-05-09 — Page 9

TENSION EASING

IN

HOLLAND

AMSTERDAM, TO-DAY.

of invasion by Germany, stated Mr. Cordell Hull at a press conference

LAST NIGHT THE TENSION IN HOLLAND APPEARED MOMENTARILY TO HAVE EASED BUT THE MILITARY AUTHORITIES ARE NOT SLACKEN- ING THEIR VIGILANCE OR DEFENCE PREPARATIONS. Foreign observers estimate that altogether 600,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and members of the au- xiliary services now stand ready. Nothing appears to have been neglected and even Holland's

wide flat roads and other open spaces have, where neces sary, been rendered useless as possible landing grounds for troop-carrying planes.

Meanwhile, suspected spies are being. rounded up.

A

Among last night's indications of a slight relaxation in the tension were the announcement of minor exemp- tions to the general cancellation of leave in the forces and the restora- tion of the normal schedule to-day on the electrified section of the railways.

As a result of the cancellation of army leave and the recall of all categories already on leave, Hol- land, according to one political ob- sorver, has more men with the co lours than she has ever had.

No Illusions

German Denial

(SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL")

yesterday.

He added that American nationals in

Holland would have no excuse if they were caught there by any outbreak of hostilities because they have long been advised to leave owing to the threas of war. — Reuter.

Emergency Measures

Amsterdam, To-day.

cancellation Following the Berlin, To-day.

of all The German Government officially leave for the army, navy, air force and denies that there is any truth in re-war industries, railway services have

been restricted. Nazi columns of troops ports that have moved towards the Netherlands border or that Germany has demand- led permission of Hungary that she be her troops through allowed to pass that country.

the

(Nevertheless, reports that Germans have asked for permission to pass through Hungary are carried

by the official Hungarian news agency in Budapest).

Between Saturday and Monday waters shipping is barred from all south-east of Holland; in this area are the main connections with Germany and Belgium.

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From 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily, all telephone communications between the Netherlands and other countries are reserved for Government calls.

The Netherlands Minister in Wash ington has been appointed General Since the invasion of Norway and

for All Berlin newspapers carry an of- Paymaster

all Dutch officials Denmark the Dutch have no illusions

all abroad in case of emergency. Pre- regarding the fate which may be-ficial Nazi statement saying that fall any of Germany's

such reports emanate from the "Bri- sumably, this will go into effect only if neighbours,

tish Ministry of Information."

Holland is attacked.-Reuter. and the Government's measures therefore have been received with understanding resignation, even with relief, as showing that no event will take Holland by surprise.

It is remarked that vielble mea. the sures of precaution Include coast.

Nobody suggests Holland could be it the victim of British attack and would rather seem that after the

swift German landings in Norway, the possibility of a German attack by sea has re-appeared as a new fac- tor in the situation.

Gestapo's Shadow

a

Meanwhile, it is reported from reliable source that numbers, of Ges- had tapo men who until recently been in Poland have been transferred to Aachen, near the Belgian and Dutch frontiers.

In Poland these men followed close behind the advancing German army and were responsible for keeping or- der and "cleaning up" behind German lines.-Reuter.

the

Territorials Not Called Up (SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL"}

Amsterdam, To-day. Holland's volunteer territorial troops are not being called up for active duty, Minister the Netherlands Defence stated yesterday. This has helped to lessen the tension.

Well-informed Dutch opinion states that no direct German action is anti- cipated for the present, but Holland remains fully prepared.

All aerodromes have been "fixed" to prevent mass landings. Concrete blocks have been installed along the runways.

All air bases, main stations and other likely.. objectives are being guarded by anti-aircraft gun batteries, while troops have taken up positions along the frontlers.

It is estimated that batween'" 500,- 000 and: 750,000 men are now under arms; the territorial: troops, should bring this up to around 1,600,000 If mobilised:

The Dutch Fleet is at battle stations and ready.

! Come what may Holland will not

be taken by surprise-HavaB.

Germany, it is emphasized in Ber- lin, is "fully prepared for whatever dangers she may be exposed to" and will act "with paralysing speed" in reprisal against any attempts:--Havas.

"No Excuse For Americans Who May Be Caught

Washington, To-day. .Official despatches reaching the State Department since Tuesday have indicated some increase of tension in the Netherlands as the result of fears

OFF THE RECORD

AND GEARSON LAWYERS

ED REED 2016

SENNET FRERES SHOOTING: REWARD

A reward of $500 has been offered by the authorities for Information leading to the arrest of either of the two men wanted in connection with the shoot- ing incident at Messrs. Sennet Freres in Pedder Street last week, when the manager of the Arm, Mr. J. Dubois, was fatally shot.

By ED REED.

“As for that good-for-nothingnephew of mina, cut him without a cent, and when you notify him I've passed on, send the message "COLLECT!!"

Here's Luck

EWO BEER

Tel. 30311

40 PLANES ATTACK THE AFRIDI

41.

London, To-day. Waves of bombing attacks on the destroyer Afridi were described by survivors who reached Portsmouth_yester- day from the north. bombs were dropped before the ship was hit.

Survivors estimated that over 500

to the attacks which were made in the first place by 40 planes and later by 20.

Afridi replied with her guns

The crew were rescued by a war-· ship which went alongside.

Afridi sank in about 20 minutes and the captain was the last to leave the ship.-Reuter

Six Trawlers Lost

London, To-day. The Admiralty announce the loss of six naval trawlers during the Trond- heim evacuation.

Two were sunk after air attacks and four so damaged by air attacks that it was not considered available for them to attempt the North Sea crossing and they were accordingly sunk by the British forces.

Casualties among personnel slight. Reuter.

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