NEW PACT

MUTUAL DEFENCE BRITAIN—POLAND PERMANENT NATURE PREMIER'S STATEMENT OTHERS MAY JOIN By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received April 7, 6.5 p.m.) LONDON, April B The Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain, announced in the House of Commons to-day that Britain and Poland were prepared to enter into an agreement of a permanent and reciprocal character to replace the present temporary unilateral assurance given by Britain to Poland. "Pending the completion of a permanent agreement, Colonel-Beck, Polish Foreign Minister, has given an assurance that the Polish Government will consider itself under obligation to render assistance to Britain under the same conditions as those in the temporary assurance from Britain to Poland," said Mr. Chamberlain. The permanent agreement would be designed to assure Britain and Poland mutual assistance in the event of a direct or indirect threat to the independence of either. It was recognisod that certain matters, including more precise definition of various ways in which the necessity for such assistance might arise, required further examination before the permanent agreement could be completed. Consulting Other Powers

In reply to questions Mr. Chamberlain said the existing Franco-Polish agreement was almost identical with the contemplated Anglo-Polish pact. Britain intended to continue consultations with other Governments. It would be misleading to name Governments with which Britain was consulting. It did not follow that they were the only ones Britain intended to approach. The Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, intended to keep in close touch with Russia, and the United States had also been kept fully informed. "It is understood," added the Prime Minister, "that the above arrangements should not preclude either Government from making arrangements with other countries in the general interests of the consolidation of peace." No Surrender ol Danzig

The Times says Britain and Poland have reached a common understanding on all important problems, and Poland readily declared her determination to use all her forces to help if Britain were attacked. Discussions about Danzig revealed that Poland is not disposed to surrender any of her vital interests. The Poles have been given a clear indication of what Britain regards as vital British interests in western Europe and the Mediterranean, and what Britain is prepared to defend in south-eastern Europe. There seems also to have been a hint that Poland will not object to closer contacts between Britain and Russia. Britain explained that an offer had been made to Rumania, which Rumania was discussing with her Balkan neighbours.

DICE HAVE FALLEN GERMAN BITTERNESS PROPOSED SETTLEMENT REJECTION BY COLONEL BECK (Received April 7, 8.5 p.m.) BERLIN, April 6 An official German spokesman said: "The dice have fallen. Poland should not forget that the non-aggression treaty between Poland and Germany rests upon mutual co-operation." From this statement talk of the denunciation of the Polish-German treaty and also of the Anglo-German Naval Treaty have been revived. It is authoritatively stated in Berlin that before going to London Colonel Beck rejected a three-point settlement, which Germany proposed, including the cession of Danzig, Germany's proposal that Poland should allow Germany to build a motor road across the Corridor, and the immediate resumption of negotiations to settle the minority questions.

It is stated in Government sources that Germany asked Poland for a reasonable and peaceful settlement on these lines. Colonel Beck's reply was to go to London. Poland has now linked herself consciously with the aggressive anti-German encirclement movement. Germany is not likely to denounce the Polish-German treaty of 1934, but, as Herr Hitler emphasised, when one party to an agreement infringes the spirit of it, the agreement is null and void.

JEWS IN POLAND BRITAIN APPROACHED COLONEL BECK VISITS FLEET (Received April 7, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 6 The Foreign Office issued a statement that Colonel Beck expressed a desire that the international effort for the treatment of the Jewish problem should be extended to Polish Jews, who should have a due share of any opportunity for settlement. Colonel Beck also drew attention to Rumania's interest. The Government has assured Colonel Bock that it fully appreciates tho situation and is ready to examine proposals with Poland and Rumania. Colonel Beck lunched with Their Majesties at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. He resumed his conversations with Mr. Chamberlain and Viscount Halifax in the evening, and also saw the United States and Hungarian Ministers. Colonel Beck left for Portsmouth to-day to spend the day with the Fleet, which was carrying out exercises in the English Channel.