1940-05-18 — Page 22

Saturday,

HONGKONG, TELEGRAPH.

May 18, 1940.

Nazi Communique Claims. Brussels Fall, Government Moves to Ostend

9)

"CONQUER OR DIE," TROOPS TOLD

AS GERMAN OFFENSIVE BROADENS

FATE OF ALLIES BOUND UP IN PRESENT BATTLE

SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGRAPH"

PARIS, May 17 (UP).-General Gamelin, Commander-in-Chief of the Allied forces, has issued an Order for the Day which is reminiscent of the famous "Backs to the Wall" declaration by Field-Marshal Douglas Haig in the last world

war.

General Gamelin, in a gravely worded Order, declares that the catchword to-day must be "Conquer or Die."

Here is the text of his statement:

BRUSSELS Grand'Place

"The fale of our country, the Allies and the destiny of the POSITION ON

world is bound up in the battle now taking place,

"English, Belgian and Polish soldiers, and foreign volun- ́teers are fighting on our side.

"The British air force is engaged up to the hilt Uke our own. "As always in the critical hours of history, the watchword to-day is 'Conquer or Die.'

We must conquer.”

HOL

Brussels . .

BELGIUM,

Silberhausen

•Essen

'Dortmund

Hutherm tussüsseldorf

Duisburg

Aachen

Namur Liège Cologne

"March

Bonn

Arras

St Quentin

Laon Mezieresp

LUXEM JBURG

MPIS Reims

NOSELLE

0

Verdui

Chalons FRANCE

Troyes.

Dijon

50

MILS.

Coblenz

BERLIN

Marburg

GERMANY

ZAINA

WESTERN FRONT GRAVE-REUTER"

LONDON, May 17 (Reuter).~It was learnt here from authoritative quarters this afternoon that the position is considered grave and that the German armour- Fed divisions have broken through the French lines and

penetrated some distance into French territory.

The place which they have broken through is not the real Maginot Line but is an extension covering the Belgian frontier, which has been built in the last 12 months.

The dent in the line has now become a bulge.

are

The German successes mainly due to the new technique in clearing ground by heavy tank attacks, supported by low flying bombers:

Frankfurt

in this respect, authoritative quar-. Darmstadtters say that the British Air Force magnificent has already put up ก show.

Neonhrchen Worms!

Saarbruecken Mannheim

Metz

MOSELLE STA

LORRAINE

Nancy Saarebourg

100

Strasbourg

S

Belfort. Freiburg

Mich

SWITZERLAND

Heidelberg

Karlsruhe

"Pforzheim

Stuttgart Reutlingen

Friedrichs

harn

Germans Lost Thousand

Planes In First Week

-

in Poland and Norway.

of our alrernit was lost.

R.A.F. Superior

The German acroplanes have avoided confllet whenever possible

INTENSIVE AIR WAR

Big Fights Over The B.E.F. Arca

LONDON, May 17 (Reuter).

INVADERS

..

NOW WITHIN 25 MILES OF RHEIMS: "SERIOUS", SAYS FRENCH

".

PARIS, MAY 17 (REUTER)—"

-THE MILITARY SITUATION ON THE WESTERN FRONT REMAINS VERY SERIOUS; ALTHOUGH THE IMPRESSION THIS AFTERNOON IS THAT THINGS ARE SLIGHTLY BETTER THAN THEY WERE ON WEDNESDAY.

A French military spokesman to-day said that the Germans had resumed three attacks at dawn yesterday in three main directions as follows: Against the positions held by the British troops in central Belgium, notably at Louvain.

1

2. Into the large salient driven into France, north of Sedan, 3.-At Sedan itself and south of it.

500 SQUARE MILE SALIENT

-For-the-immediate present-the-most serious_is_the_second_drive north of Sedan. This is between Sambre and Rethel, which is about 25 miles south-west of Sedan and about the same distance north-east of Rheims.

A. French communique issued this morning indicated that the Nazi salient here is from a line some 50 miles long along the frontier and extends anything up to 10 miles into France. IMPORTANT SALIENT

A French military spokesman said that this was an important salient.

BRUSSELS ENTERED,

The first thing to do is to run a ring round the salient and curtain it by sending units to take SAYS NAZI

up positions to stop further advances.

Then one must make up one's mind whether to

counter-attack here or to counter-attack elsewhere.

"That job is for the High Command, he said.

He indicated that good progress had been made -towards-curtaining the enemy's advance positions...

MASSED TANKS AND PLANES

CLAIM

SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGRAPH"

BERLIN, MAY 17 (UP). THE GERMANS CLAIM TO HAVE ENTERED BRUSSELS. __A__COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE NAZI HIGH COMMAND TO-

NIGHT READI "AFTER THE

COLLAPSE OF THE BRITISH AND

LOUVAIN, GERMAN TROOPS THIS

SELS."

Nothing is yet known about yesterday morning's FRENCH POSITIONS SOUTH OF All last night and throughout attacks. It is reliably reported that the Germans again EVENING MARCHED INTO BRUS- to-day, intenso alr-activity-con-used massed-tanks-with-bombing-planes-in-close support. According to DNB, the official and man to man und machine to tinued over the B.E.F. area, says machine the British Air Forces are "Reuter's" special correspondent

The losses which the enemy must have suffered German news agency, Nazi definitely superior.

troops have reoccupied' Louvain· · during the last few days cannot possibly be estimated and have also reached parts of again attacked Nazi mechanised but there is every reason to believe that they must have northern France. columns and tanks thrusting been heavy.

the

Squadrons of British bombers

1 is thought that this was possibly with the B.E.F. due to the lack of petrol in Germany and the lack of practice for

German

pilots. The Germans, according to latest reports this afternoon, had gained considerable ground and on points have won the first round.

But it was only the first round and statesmen in both London and Paris were equally confident of the ultimate result,

The future line of German attacks be in the is uncertain. It might north west to cut off the Allied com- munications or in the south west.

northwards.

The whole of the operation;

Strong formations of enemy war- planes also launched attacks but these seems to have been a desperate have been beaten off with heavy gamble in which the Nazis are: losses.

inging all their strength into the fray regardless of losses.

Up to 3 p.m. 21 German machines have been destroyed by our aircraft and many others were so badly damaged that it is very unlikely that they reached their basts.

•

R.A.F. Raid Western Germany SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGRAPH"

shot down.

establishments

"In connection with the operations ASSISTANCE FOR

new

INDUSTRIES

Compared With Verdun

Some quarters compare the battle. of the Meuse with that of Verdun In the last war. The battle at Verdun lasted a con-

APING HITLER'S YES-MEN

German reports from the front adopt a jubilant lone. Says one: "The German successes in France are sensational. Our troops have broken through the Maglaot Line In the south from Mastuge to Garignan along a 60-mile front. Thus steel and concrele defence ring with which France was encompassed on her eastern fronter has been burst.” Staggering Achiovament

The

"The Italian people press around

greatness and power,

consequence

36

the

manoeuvre

the

Gormans in the ballle of the Marne. Nazis Probable Manoeuvre

Il Duce Told Nation

Another Berlin message says that well-informed military sources there But meanwhile the French are

Ready For Orders have described the alleged break-. LONDON, May 17 (Domel).-The siderable time and they say that the gathering their resources to strike at

through on a 60-mile front as a stag-. both flanks of the bulge and there is R.A.F. last night raided various Ger- present battle may go on for days or

- gering achievement reason to suppose that the German man

In even weeks with varying fortunes on

of German arms.. ROME, May 17 (Reuter), military armoured divisions have already run western Germany and inflicted great either side.

However, they express caution and South of Sedan, where there is no Count Suardo, President of the Indicated that this does not neces- out of their supplies of petrol,

damage, the British Air Ministry

break-through, the Ger- Senate, addressing Senators in sarily mean the beginning of a de- LONDON, May 17 (Reuter)-It is officially stated estimated to-day that five-sixths of

Authoritative quarters in London announced to-day.

mang yesterday, resumed the heavy the presence of Signor Mussolini cisive and final German victory on Yesterday the RAF. shot down 35 mans

Western Front. that it is believed the German air force has lost over the total petrol supplies in Holland German planes and to-day brought attacks of the night and day before. this afternoon, sald

Nazi military chiefs confess that A French military spokesman, In- destroyed before the Dutch down 31 more, it was added. were 1,000 aircraft since the invasion of the Low Countries. surrendered.

German air losses are far greater dicating the fierceness of the fighting, you. Il Duce, to form body of the French can now be expected to The Air Ministry states that and shot down two. The rest dis-

than those of the Alles, which the said that the woods and villages had energy and will be ready for your launch a desperate attack from the New Positions Taken Up LONDON, May 17 (Reuter)The Germans claim to be 1,462 machines been taken and re-taken during the orders because they know that the south against the German. Bank as it to the losges in the Low appeared.

Belgian High Command at noon to-

day. Some of them changed hands path you will choose sims at Italy's swings to the north, recalling a similar about five or six umes. Countries must be added losses

the famed French by Three other enemy aircraft were day issued the following communique

"Toxl-cab" army in the first world "We Are Indignant shot down when attacking a town in from "somewhere in Belgium:"

French Communiqua R.A.F. bombers again ralded mili-which the R.A.F, was quartered. ·

war, when they attacked the tight "We are indignant at the

new flank of the Gemsn forces swinging undertaken by Allled forces and in

PARIS, Mar tory objectives in western Germany

17. (Reuter)-Te irritations which, recall the coalition southeast of Paris, and defeated the Light anti-aircraft batteries defend-close co-operation with Allied troops, last night and many direct hits were!

night's communique says "To-day the of 42 enemies agains! our single abtained in these operations. None ing RAF acrodromes brought down Belgian troops have taken up

German attack developed on a mar nation." sive scale, not only in Belgium but in at least ten German planes in the positions with calm and good order,

followed the passing of The speech Attacks were made by inedium last two days,

"Despite many hard engagements in

Roosevelt Statement the regions of Avesnes and Vervins. a budget which thowed that the

Neutral experis now bellève that On those fronts the enemy The announcement) adds thing the which many units have taken part bombers on enemy transports and

To Pressmen

engaged expenditure for 1930-40, estimated at

the Nazis will probably attempt to tank 20 millard lire, had risen to the greater part of his heavy round Sedan and German High Command to-day gave since hostilities, began, our army re- petrol reserves

swing in a great are to, the north the Allled asses of aircroft at 1,402, mains intact and retains a high

divisions. The battle took on several fires broke out.

the millards, and in

towards the English Channel, ́en- Naxi Troops Bombad

It is thought that they must have morale."

WASHINGTON, May 17 (Reuter), aspect of a veritable.melee. Further defielt had risen from 4% milllards as ---President Roosevelt told a

closing forces on a large scale— Press to the cost, the enemy attacked in the estimated to 0% militarda. -- During yesterday enemy thrusts in Published their own losses in error. Situation Reassuring

many of which, aro- believed to be Allied were fiercely tion of the German rode into Meuse Valley

lasses are only a

conference to-day that the. Govern region of Sedan and Montmedy with- BRUSSELS, May 17 (Reater) ment would nastal private industry in out success. In close collaboration trac-

Evacuation Donial

Dirilish-in north Belgium and the and successfuly attacked. Pontoon

ROME, May 17. (Reuier).-A. Cairo The Minister of National Defence, extending aircraft industries. The with the Royal Air Force, our avin

northeast corner of France...... bridges were blown up, roads were the

Despite these heavy

Lieutenant General Denis, declared ove German

Government might

ita

These

observers point out that the continues

energetic and despatch to the "Stefan!" agency: blocked and marching troops were strength-it-must-be understood that Oghting force

that the situation is re-assuring." new factories but would not operate effarious action against land, troops har denied reports that Italian Con- ir emphasised by the fact that they sintes that the Italian Legation there magnitude of the German successes bombed and chlite-gunned.“-------

Situation Sarious their reserves are considerable and

road junctions and railways, LONDON, May 17 (Reuler).The In order to avoid the bottle-neck "While assuring the protection of suls have advised Italians Ilving in Arst tool Namur and broke through the Allied lines between Nomur and to sustain their efforts.

France is regarded in authoritative | machine tool industry, the President in numerous encounters in the alr

Sedan after a great tank battle west quarters as serious, but latest reports said that the Government might take Many enemy planes were brought Nazis Must Make on through the northern extension of of Dinant, after which they drove Indicate that it is better than it was over the machine tools which foreign down. In the present circumstances

the Maginot Line into France. SUPPLIERS OF

two days ago, and the situation is individuals offered.

of open warfare it is not possible to viewed with complete confidence.

If the expected French counter- Shortly before President Roosevelt know the exact numbers.

attack on the German flank does not SHIP'S STORES that man for man, and machine for Congress to remove the existing legis-

Latest reports prove beyond doubt spoke, the War Department naked Personal Triumph by strong fighter protection; never-

LONDON, May 1 (Reuter)-materialfag, or is not successful, it is fachine, the Royal Air Force have Intive limit of 0,000 planes In the theloss our bombers Infilcted great All corporations, companies, Drms shown themselves infinitely superior Army Corps as the first step towards learned that

PARIS, May 17 (Reuter),It Germans were told of the necessity expected that the Allied forces in northeastern Belgium and damage in low-flying_attacks, and individuals who carry stocks of their enemy.

Germans have for further heavy sacrifices in and north the

France will fall into a really desperate Supporting the French

launched a very violent attack north-eficial broadcast..

position, with the Germans attacking tack ship's Mores are requested to register French quarters.compare the battle buliding up the Force to 50,000.

The announcer declared: "We are of tho Blenhelms made a sortio to attack a their unes with Mr. E. W. Hamilton, of the Meuso with the battle of

west of Rothel at the base key position.at Gembloux and Controller of Trade, at the Imports Verdun, which raged for a long time. encountered a large formation of and Exports Department, Fire Brigade Quick results are not expected.

Mr. G. Morgan and Mr. C. Lecket formed by the thrust into fully aware of the difficult tasks still from the rear and crushing them

French territory.

have to be performed. These toska against their positions along the Dyle Clarke have been re-nsaigned, from enemy fighters and intense anti-

The Nazis have also launched two will heavily tax the self-sacrifice River, through which the Germans, within this coming week. aircraft fire.

the General Group for Essential Ser- other attacks, neither of which was both of the army and the home front, coming from Llege, and Maastricht scheme beto

introduced later. In today's jesus_of_the_lide

have already forced a broach south R.A.F. Lose 11 Planos whith the licensing of suppliers of ment Gazette Mr. J. H. Taggart, the Hongkong Defence Reserve. Mr. Dyle line east of Brussels, which is sake of Germany's victory will be too dovervices to the Combatant Group in shed-to-ang-depth one against the but we know that.no ucrifice for the Eleven of our fighters falled to ship's stores la enforced, only those Controller of Food, issues an order R. L. Barkus has been re-assigned held by the British, and the other great for them."

Govt Leave

Leivos Brussel whose names are registered will be that the standard price for Longevity from the Koy-Posta Group to the mouth of Sedan.

DRUSSELS, May 17 (Reuter).-M. RAF. fighters at down intercepted allowed to supply ships with ship's sweetened milk is 12 cents per 24 Combatant Group of the Hongkong Detalla of the attacks are not yet Mr. J. 11. Taggart, ons,, has been Van Der Poorten, the Belgian Mini mine Dorniem about their aerodrome! stores under permit,

tin.

Defence Reserve.

received.

appolated to be Controller of Food.. PLEASE Turn To Page 12,

the

air

them.

even construction

The enemy were hampered and they will be able, for a time be Icast, { present position of the battle line in due to the limited capacity of the four troops, our fighters were engaged Egypt to leave,

harassed at key points and the mechanised units

received heavy carubilles,

There has been intense eclivity in the B.E.F. area to-day......

Bombers, made

determined_atfucks

repealed and

on mechanised

columns. The enemy were supported

More Sacrifices