NEWS OF THE WEEK
HE rejection of the Belgo-Dutch mediation offer by Herr 1 Hitler may or may not be the prelude to more active nwitary operations. Herr von Ribbentrop's threats are, of course, no more than empty words, but messages from neutral countries adjacent to Germany indicate a certain anxiety and restiveness in face of the complete failure of their Leader to produce in this case the results they have learned to expect from him. For that reason some military move is not unlikely. But the choice before Herr Hitler is limited. A frontal attack on the Maginot Line is more improbable than ever, in view of the season and the weather conditions. Intensified submarine attack is only practicable if the submarines are at present working much below their possibilities, of which there is no evidence. Mass air-attack on Britain, whether on the great cities or (more probably) on more or less legitimate military objectives, is the most obvious procedure, but the Germans have already proved for themselves the strength of British defences, and in addi- tion one element in the anxiety of the German population IS apprehension of the reprisals that would follow any such. attack on Britain. It is well to remember that Herr Hitler can do only what his enemies fail to prevent him from doing, and their powers of prevention are considerable. In all the circumstances it is quite premature to assume that Holland is out of danger. It would be entirely in keeping with Herr Hitler's methods to encourage that assumption and then strike. Fortunately the Dutch are not likely to be lulled into any sense of false security. Such incidents as the smuggling of Dutch uniforms into Germany have given sufficient warning of what Herr Hitler has been con- templating.
