1940-05-13 — Page 20

FRANK STATEMENT

ON WAR

SITUATION

BY M. PIERLOT

London, To-day.

BROADCASTING TO THE Belgian people last even- ing, the Prime Minister, M. Pierlot, gave an ac-

NATURAL

THE CHINA MAIL, MAY 13, 1940

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ness and truth.”

After saying he trusted public opinion would keep "that calm and firmness which are required by the circumstances," M. Pierlot said on Friday the enemy were unable to penetrate Belgian ter- ritory at any point on any considerable scale. Thorough demolitions were immediately carried out everywhere along the frontier and checked the advance of the enemy but on Saturday, north of the Albert Canal, the enemy succeeded in cross- ing because the officer charged to destroy two bridges next to Maastricht was killed by an aerial bomb.

This caused a delay in carrying out were inflicted on the enemy, the Bel- the order, with the result that thegians could only bring his advance to enemy occupied two bridges and cross- a halt. ed them with motorised forces.

Later a Belgian officer penetrated the German 'lines, reached the mine chambers and blew himself up with the bridge, heroically sacrificing his life in the accomplishment of his duty.

Thus the enemy had only one bridge left at his disposal. Across this he at- tracked the Belgian troops with an enormous mass of tanks and aircraft.

Despite the fierce resistance they offered, the Belgian troops had to withdraw as far as Tongres. In the afternoon they counter-at- tacked with their motorised forces and aircraft, but although severe

losses

1

Near Varennes

In the evening the German advanced elements were near Varennes.

During the whole time the Bel- gian Command took all steps required by the situation.

When the enemy reached the Bal- gian troops' now positions they were stopped.

The latest report, M. Pierlot said, showed that the enemy nowhere had resumed his advance.

M. Pierlot mentioned that about 100

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Paris, To-day.

A French communique says the situation in Holland im- proved yesterday, the R.A.F. giving strong support to the Dutch defence.

Enemy pressure in Belgium con- tinues west of Maastricht and in the

German planes had been brought down region of Tongres. The enemy is be

since the morning.

Heavy Nazi Air Losses

The Allies had intervened in im- portant aerial engagements fought since the morning and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy.

.on

Many violent enemy attacks the fortifications of Llege were re- pulsed, and the glacis before the forts

German was covered with corpses.

From various points on the right

of of the Meuse, In the province Luxemburg, superior enemy forces who, attacked the Belgian troops after resisting herolcally, with- drew according to plan.

attacked

French motorised forces the enemy in the province of Luxem- burg which is partly in the possession of the enemy.

Parachutists dropped near Brussels rounded and elsewhere were being up and hunted down.

Allied Advance®

M. Pierlot said the Allied advance

was "very satisfactory."

ing strongly harassed by Allied. air action on bridges in the region of Maastricht and on enemy: columns which suffered heavy losses.

The advance of our troops into the centre part of Belgium is proceeding

normally.

The enemy made an Important effort in the region of the Belglan Ardennes, where violent enooun- ters occurred.

Fighting has started again on the Luxemburg frontier.

The enemy also attacked our ad- Forest Vance positions between the of Warndt and the Saar.

German aviation showed great ac- tivity, especially in north, north-east and east France. It was attacked by anti-aircraft defence and Allied air- craft; 30 enemy planes were shot down during the day-Reuter.

A three-storeyed building, No. 5, He asked his hearers not to believe unconfirmed rumours, for example, Hillier Street in the Central District, in-was badly damaged by a fire which rumours that the Government tended to leave the capital were ab-broke out in the premises at 6.40 a.m. · solutely false.

The Government asked the people not to lose their composure. "We have to bear shocks from the formidable army opposing us but the military situation is not compromis- ed, though, as was to be expected, it is not free from difficult moments.

“We Shall Triumph”.

"If it has been restored this is due to the speedy measures of command which were executed by the troops with remarkable ability and energy,'

to-day.

All fire engines from the Central Fire Station were sent and had the half outbreak under control within an hour.

No persons were injured.

The prefix "8psolat" to telegrams is used by the Sunday Herald" and "China Mall" to Indicate news which is strictly copyright was under the provisions of the Telecommunica.

M. Plerlot concluded by urging his hearers to follow the example of their gallant army, which vallantly fulfilling its duty. "Remain. united. Be confident victory,, and with the help of Allles, we shall triumph."-Reuter,

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