740.0011 European War 1939/2762: Telegram

The Minister in the Netherlands (Gordon) to the Secretary of State

155. Foreign Office has just telephoned me that the Netherlands considers itself in a state of war with Germany and has appealed for [Page 189] aid from France and England. The Germans have crossed the frontier and have bombed military objectives including the airfield of Wall-haven.

Anti-aircraft and machine gun firing began in The Hague shortly after 4:00 this morning. Commercial Attaché saw two bombers drop bombs near a barracks on the outskirts of the city.

Please acknowledge hour of receipt.

Gordon