POLISH WAR SPIRIT REACHES CLIMAX.

Nazi ameum.

Official Tactics Follow Czech Coup.

ARMY OUT OF CONTROL.

United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, August 24. The German official news agency, in a statement, says the war spirit of the Polish Army has reached a climax. The Polish Press, it states, is sounding the drum for an offensive war, and the Army is hourly waiting the command to strike. Under these circumstances it is considered most probable that Polish troops will lose their nerve in their reliance upon the help of western democracies. The Government is no longer master of Army decisions. Alarming report® are pouring in from all parts of the country, this agency alleges,' leading to the sure conclusion that local commanders are no longer obeying Warsaw's orders, and are deter- . mined to march on their own resnonsij bility. The statement is considered ominous, as almost identically similar statements were issued prior to German coups in Austria and Czechoslovakia. A Warsaw message says that the Polish War Office denies that Danzig is surrounded by a large Polish force." The official German news agency earlier stated that Polish forces, in war strength, encircled Danzig and the danger of an imminent coup d'etat is great. Mr. Chamberlain's speech increased tension and caused hope to fade that European problems can be solved without bloodshed. The British Associated Press Berlin correspondent says it is rumoured in j high circles that Colonel Beck, Polish Foreign Minister, might go to Berlin to place Poland under Germany's protection. " « A similar rumour is current in London. Germany has informed the Polish Government that the warship Koenigsberg will not visit Danzig on Sunday as arranged, but that the training ship Schleswig Holstein will come instead. The officers will visit M. Chodacki, Polish Commissioner in Danzig, according to original plans. Warsaw reports state that though the frontier defences are manned there is no general mobilisation. NEW STATUS. Poland Has No Objection If Rights Protected. POSITION OF MINORITY. (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, August 24. Official quarters are not concerned by Herr Foerster's new status in Danzig. It is stated that Poland did not agree j to the anschluss, but hereafter will not place difficulties in the way of the free cultural development of the Germans of the Free City, provided Polish minority rights are respected. In the light of these principles the Government considers Danzig's form of government of secondary importance. * The shops are crowded with people seeking gas masks and similar commodities. The Government broadcast messages exhorting the population to keep calm and saying adequate supplies will be available for all. It is impossible now to buy first-aid sets. ON THE FRONTIER. NAZI TROOPS CONCENTRATE. (■Received 2 p.m.) BASLE, August 24. There is considerable concentration of German troops in the frontier district of Baden, strengthening the garrison of the southern flank of the Siegfried Line. Military authorities have taken over whole villages.

Many units in this sector have been brought from Austria and Sucletenland. There are similar concentrations in Upper Alsace.

READY TO LEAVE. ALLIED MISSIONS TO MOSCOW. (Received 2 p.m.) MOSCOW, August 24. It is reported that the British and French military missions have obtained visas, and are leaving to-morrow, probably via Finland, to avoid Germany. EXPORTS HELD UP. VITAL GOODS FOR GERMANY. Independent Cable Service. (Received 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, August 24. The "Daily Express" says it is estimated by dealers that the Government's ban on the export of vital commodities will hold up 5000 tons of copper and 3000 tons of rubber valued at nearly £500,000 recently purchased by Germany in the London market, T»ut not yet I shipped. WILL REMAIN NEUTRAL. SPANISH GOVERNMENT PLAN. LONDON, August 24. i It is understood that the Spanish Foreign Minister has sent a circular to all Spanish representatives abroad, stating tljat the Spanish Government proposes to maintain its policy of neutrality in the event of a European war. says the Hendaye correspondent of "The Times.'' The Madrid correspondent of the Independent Cable Service says General Franco considers the signature of the Russo-German Pact annuls the antiCommunist Pact. 1 It is reported that Spain now again j assumes to herself full liberty of action I in regard to her external policy. '