NEXT MOVE

NAZIS AND POLAND EVE OF DECISION HITLER'S TWO COURSES ACTION OR WAITING By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright LONDON, May 8 It is evident that the talks between the Italian and German Foreign Ministers, Count Ciano and Herr von Ribbentrop, and the pact resulting from them, are regarded as having brought the German claim to the Danzig Corridor and the Italian claims to Mediterranean areas a long Btep nearer to a solution in, accord with the aspirations of the Axis, says the Berlin correspondent of the Times. While there are signs that the ItaloGerman Pact has not created the hoped-for impression abroad, every effort is being made to assure the German people that the encirclement policy is as good as shattered. Polish reactions are being watched carefully for signs of weakness. Latest reports from Warsaw are available to Herr Hitler and Herr von Ribbentrop, whose conference to-morrow will no doubt influence the decision whether a policy of swift action or one of awaiting events will be adopted. This decision will also depend on the Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish attitude toward the pacts of non-aggression offered by Germany. The Foreign Ministers of these four Scandinavian States will meet to-mor-row to discuss the German proposal, 6ays a message from Stockholm. The Swedish and Norwegian press generally is insistent that the proposed agreements would be contrary to the Scandinavian policy of strict neutrality, but Finhind is more fjivourable to a pact. The unexpected appointment of M. Szaranoff as Soviet Ambassador to Poland is regarded as a symptom of the improving relations between Russia and Poland.

DANZIG DISPUTE BRITISH ASSURANCE POLO-GERMAN DISCUSSIONS NEED FOR MUTUAL REASON British 'Wireless LONDON, May 8 In an answer in the House of Commons to-day in reference to Colonel Beck's speech, Mr. Chamberlain said: "The Government welcomes the terms —at once firm and conciliatory—of the speech recently made by Colonel Beck, and has taken duo note of the proposals made by him therein." The Prime Minister was asked if, at the time of the British guarantee to Poland—March 31 —any advice was tendered regarding the desirability of her entering into immediate negotiations or discussions with Germany for an amicable settlement of the future control and status of Danzig and reasonable communications between the Reich and East Prussia and whether, in view of the danger to the peace of the world involved in the present state of affairs in the Danzig area, ho would impress on Poland tho necessity of satisfying British public opinion that every reasonable proposal for an equitable settlement of these questions would be welcomed bv Poland.

Mr. Chamberlain replied: "The speaker will no doubt have read the speech by Colonel Beck on Friday, from which it was apparent that these questions were already under discussion between Poland and Germany before the date of Britain's assurance to Poland. Poland is, of course, aware that Britain would welcome an amicable settlement, and I have no reason to doubt that sho is alivo to the importance of the consideration contained in the second part of the question." The Foreign Under-Secretary, Mr. R. A. Butler, replying to a question, said the status of Danzig was regulated by treaty. The question of any change in that status was a matter in the first instance for the parties most directly interested in the treaty settlement, and it was for them to agree upon the methods by which they should proceed. It had been repeatedly made clear that Britain stood for settlement of international differences by friendly negotiation, arbitration or other peaceful means, and she at all times was ready to lend her good offices at the request of interested parties.