Although the German military threat against the Netherlands today appears less pressing than during the last few days, Dutch troops remain ready for immediate action and pre. cautionary military measures are maintained everywhere.
It seems now that the Reich does not plan actual invasion of. the Netherlands at the present moment, but rather wishes to intimidate this country into granting Germany econ-amic advantage, Adolf Hitler, it was stated, seeks Dutch and Belgian participation in the continental blockade which he is trying to organize against Great Britain, Even while optimism is more prevalent today military preparations continue and a number of villages, notably in the Utrecht region, have been evacuated, Drastic defence measures have been enforced and are visible in anti-tank barrages on highways near the frontier, and the inundation of the "polders." Trains are now under military control and constant watch is maintained on the railroads to prevent sabotage, The comparative relaxation noticeable today has not in the least affected military vigilance although some restrictions, such as the ban on telephone communications inside the Netherlands itself, were lifted this morning.—Havas, Americans, Britons Ordered Out Amsterdam, Nov. 13.
The American and British legations sent letters to their nationals here yesterday advising them to leave the Netherlands as soon as possible.
Travellers reaching Venlo from Germany told the United Press that German troops were concentrating in growing numbers along the Netherlands frontier. The Germans Mr. Eden's Tribute to were said to have brought up almost to the frontier many pontoon bridges to be used in case of an invasion to cross inundated areas of the Nether-
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