FIRST REACTIONS.

ATTITUDE IN EUROPE.

Hitler In Consultation At Berchtesgaden. VARYING VIEWPOINTS. __ United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 11 a.m.) LONDON", May 5. Reuter's Berlin correspondent says the impression in unofficial quarters is that Poland climbed down even farther than Germany expected, resulting in an immediate revival of talks and that Germany will soon absorb Danzig. Herr Hitler is at Berchtesgadcn discussing the speech with Herr von Ribbentrop, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Herr Forster, Nazi loader in Danzig, j and Dr. Greiser, president of the j Danzig Senate.

An earlier Berlin message predicted* that a sharp reply from Germany was likely, but there will be no immediate action towards Danzig. Ilerr Hitler is expected to increase his demands, but Colonel Beck's clear warning that Poland would not suffer her vital interests to be threatened is noted. A Propaganda Ministry spokesman said that Colonel Beck's speech was not sufficiently concrete to offer a basis for new negotiations. It was weak and did not answer the Fuehrer directly. Herr von Ribbentrop and Herr Hitler both offered Poland a 25-year nonaggression pact. The Polo-German conference on Danzig and the Corridor in October, 1938, resulted in the Polish rejection of proposals in a manner indicating, "If you insist it means war." "Far from conciliatory," is the Italian description of Colonel Beck's speech. Official circles are disappointed that Colonel Beck turned down the German frontier guarantee, and declare that they are confident Herr Hitler would honour it. "Moderate and statesmanlike," is the French view. It is hoped Germany will accept the invitation for an amicable settlement. At Danzig, the first reaction to the speech did not clarify the situation. British Press Comment. In a leading article, commenting on Colonel Beck, "The Times" points out that if Germany was once installed in Danzig she would go far to make herself supreme in the Baltic. The problem must be settled diplomatically. Danzig alone is not worth war, but an attempt to forcibly solve the problem would be an additional instance of methods the world is no longer prepared to tolerate. The "Daily Telegraph" considers that it will not be Colonel Beck's fault if his speech fails to relax the tension. Herr Hitler has no excuse for refusing friendly negotiation. Occasional comments here and in France about Danzig not being worth war are deplorable and calculated to defeat the confidence of the peace front. The "News Chronicle" regards the reply as unexceptionable, demonstrating that the whole of Poland will resist any attempt to seize Danzig. It adds that appeasers' attempts to whittle down Britain's commitments are a grave disservice to the nation. Mr. Chamberlain's protestations that Britain is doing all she can are not convincing. Proof of sincerity would be to send Viscount Halifax or Mr. Anthony Eden to Moscow to complete the British-Russian agreement. The "Daily Herald" compliments Colonel Beck on steering a perfect course. The "Guardian" says it is Britain's duty to support Poland's insistence on an amiable discussion without armies mobilised on the frontier. The only hope is for a united front. Official quarters in London, says a British official wireless message, state that the report of Colonel Beck's speech has been received with lively satisfaction. It is felt that Colonel Beckmade the position of Poland clear and that he had done so in firm, but yet studiously moderate terms. Whilst Colonel Beck made it clear that Poland will not sacrifice interests which she believes would be vital to her independence, yet at the same time he closed no doors, and is ready to solve outstanding issues by the method of negotiation. An Independent Cable Service message says Whitehall welcomes Colonel Beck's speech, the firm tone of which, while reasonable and conciliatory, places the facts of the situation in their true perspective. A memorandum outlining the Polish view of the German proposals, along the lines of Colonel Beck's speech, has been forwarded to Germany, says an Independent Cable Service message from Warsaw. DIVIDE SLOVAKIA. Partition Between Germany And Hungary. REPORT OF NEW NAZI PLAN. (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, May 5. In Paris it is reported that Herr von Ribbentrop and Count Ciano will also discuss the partition of Slovakia between Germany and Hungary. German aeroplanes and war materials are accumulating on the Polish frontier, but troop concentrations do not suggest that an attack on Poland is imminent. Military measures in Slovakia close to Polish industrial centres are more significant. MARKETS CHEERED. - COL. BECK'S SPEECH PLEASES. (Received 10.30 a.m.) J LONDON, May 5. * Colonel Beck's speech pleased the i City. It is a long time since the Stock i Exchange wound up a week so cheerfnlly. Prices in all sections were , marked up. There is a huge weight oi i capital waiting investment and readj - to jump into the markets on the first } (definite signs of the international situa "tion clearing up.