SOLUTION SOUGHT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 274, 1 September 1939, Page 6

SOLUTION SOUGHT

EXCHANGE WITH POLAND. MESSAGES SENT ON BY BRITAIN. approval not implied (United Press Association— Copyright.) (Received This Day, 9.5 a.m.) LONDON, August 31. White hall circles reiterated that the communique sent to Germany was of such a nature, that a reply could be expected. Herr Hitler’s message to Britain and Britain’s reply to Herr Hitler were sent to Poland, but this did not mean that the message was approved by His 1 Majesty’s Government. So far there have been no direct contacts between Poland and Germany. WIDENING OF THE ISSUES. SHARE OF THE WORLD’S ;| WEALTH. ITALIAN VIEW OF POSITION. (Deceived This Day, 9.5 a.m.) LONDON, August 31. The Italian newspapers consider that the crisis has spread from the Ger-man-Polish dispute to the vastly wider question of giving Italy and Germany a share*of the world’s wealth. This is in accordance with Signor Mussolini’s oft-repeated belief that a- piecemeal ..settlement will not produce lasting peace. i The press now urges a European '"conference to tackle all outstanding ills, beginning from the assumption that the Versailles Treaty must -be scrapped. Such a conference would cover raw materials, colonies, communications, and minorities. The Rome correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain, says Signor Mussolini and Count Ciano are considerablv concerned over tire unyielding attitude of Britain, France,, and Poland, and are therefore attempting to induce Herr Hitler to moderate his demands. It is still believed that Signor Mussolini will make a last conciliatory move, provided it is in Italy’s interests, rather than follow Germany to war. ...

The French press is more pessimistic. “L’Epoque” says: “The situation is definitely more tense. Herr Hitler has not renounced his intention of destroying Poland. More than ever Britain and France are determined not to betray their pledges, but in spite of everything the guns have not yet spoken. Our duty is to remain calm and confident. It is most important that Germany has wasted eight days of the war of nerves, enabling Britain, France, and Poland to press on with their military preparations.” Other newspapers say it is clearer than ever that the final decision rests with Herr Hitler, but emphasise that the solution of the Danzig problem without a general settlement will not remove the danger of war. In London the newspaper editorials continue calm, taking the view that while negotiations are proceeding war may be; averted. “•The Times” says: “The absolutely binding nature of the French and British pledge .to Poland does not in any .yvay preclude satisfaction being given on everything in the German case which either equal negotiation, or impartial arbitration accepts as reasonable.” The French press considers that the crisis has reached the climax, with the final decision remaining in Herr Hitler’s hands.

A message from Rome says the train service from Italy to Germany and Austria has been suspended.

GROWING NERVOUSNESS. BERLIN CITIZENS 5 * QUESTION. i HOSPITAL PATIENTS’ REMOVED. (Received This Day, 10.5 a.m.) BERLIN, August 31. Official circles give the impression that the situation has been aggravated overnight. There is growing nervousness on the part of citizens, who are asking when the war of nerves will end. Moveable patients are being evacuated from the hospitals in ambulances, but at present there is no indication of a general evacuation. NO POLISH ENVOYS. HITLER’S PROPOSAL REJECTED. LONDON, August 31. Vernon Bartless, writing in the "News-Chronicle,” says that Poland has rejected Herr Hitler’s proposal that Polish envoys should go to Berlin to negotiate a settlement, after which, according to Bartlett, Herr Hitler would be ready to discuss a general settlement with Britain. He adds: "Britain pointed out to Herr Hitler that Polish-German equality could only obtain if discussions occurred on neutral ground. "The Poles themselves,” adds Bartlett, "are likely to go further, insisting that there can be no equality until the German troops are withdrawn from Slovakia.” <• SWITZERLAND’S NEUTRALITY. (Received This Day, 9.0 a.m.) BERNE, August 31. Switzerland is sending notes to Germany, Italy and France, containing declarations of neutrality.