GERMAN ARMS IN POLAND.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 275, 2 September 1939, Page 5

GERMAN ARMS IN POLAND.

BOMB REPLIES TO BOMB. HITLER DESCRIBES HIS POINTS. “NOTHING MORE LOYAL AND MODEST.” (Dinted Press Association —Copyright.) (Received This Day, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, September 1. Herr Hitler, addressing the remnant of the Reichstag, over 100 members being at the front, said: “Danzig was, and is, a German city. Tho Corridor was, and is German. All these territories owe their culture to the German people, without whom the pVofoundest barbarity would prevail there. The German minority is the victim of numerous tortures by Poland. After the War, as always, I have attempted to make many proposals for revision. It is a deliberate lie for anyone to suggest we always try to produce revisions under pressure. I have tried again this time to pursue our demands through peaceful channels. All these proposals have been refused.” Herr Hitler then outlined the 16 points, cabled yesterday, and added: “There is nothing more loyal, and modest than these proposals. I alone am in a position, to make such proposals, for I know very well that in making them I brought myself into opposition with millions of Germans. These proposals have been refused. They have been answered not only by mobilisation but by increased terror against German compatriots. Poland has directed its fight against Germany. It did not think about keeping its obligation to minorities, whereas we have done so everywhere. No Frenchman can say that the French minority in the _ Saar was oppressed. I time and again uttered a warning against these developments, and I increased these warnings in the last few days. I have said that if the Poles oppress the minority further and try to destroy Danzig economically and politically, Germany will no longer look on. I also left no doubt that the Germany of to-day cannot be i compared with the Germany of yesterday. My Government vainly waited two days for a reply from Poland. We could not put up with such delays and impudence. ■ ! Britain Not Earnest for Negotiation. “I have decided to give Poland no light lesson. We. will not hesitate a second in carrying out our' duty. My last attempt at peaceful settlement has been made, although I am convinced that tho Polish Government, under the influence of a Jewish clique and soldiers, is not earnest over tho British proposals for negotiation.” Herr Hitler continued: “The British Government did not want to initiate the negotiations itself, but wanted to bring the Poles to the conference table. I therefore worked out the proposals mentioned. I have sat here three days without the Poles sending a plenipotentiary. If it is expected that the German Reich and its Fuhrer will tolerate such a thing, then the German nation might as well step down from the political stage. Therefore I have decided to speak to the Poles as they have spoken to us for months past. No Demands on Western Powers.

’ “I have given a solemn assurance • that we demand nothing from the West- ! ern Powers, and will never demand anyi thing. I have time and time again offered Britain our friendship and, if ■ necessary, the closest co-operation, hut 1 this cannot be offered from one side only. It must be reciprocal. Our western wall represents for all time our western frontier. We have no further goals there for the future. Other European States partly understand our ' attitude. We must, above all, thank Italy, who supported us the whole time, but they will understand that I do not appeal for foreign help in this fateful , hour. We will carry on this task ourselves. “Neutral States have given us assurances of their neutrality, which we will respect as long as others do not violate it.” Three Aims Outlined. Referring to the Russian-German Pact Herr Hitler said that mutual non-aggression was for all time. ' Germany and Russia fought against each other in the last war. That will not happen a second time. “ These are our aims: Firstly, to solve the Danzig question. Secondly, to solve the Corridor question. Thirdly, to ensure a change of relations between Poland and Germany, enabling them to live together peaceably. “I am therefore determined to fight until the Polish Government is prepared to establish good relations or until another Government is prepared to do ( so. I wish to remove once and for all , from the German frontiers the elements , of insecurity and the atmosphere of , eternal civil warfare. .1 wish to ensure ( that peace on the eastern borders does f not have a different appearance from , peace on the western borders. , “ 1. have given my Air Force orders j to confine themselves to military ob- f jectives in attacking Poland, but if our opponent believes he will be able to

figlit with other means we will give 'him such an answer as will stun him. “ Last night Poland was fighting on our territory. . I have.xecfeived information that 545 German sentries have been shot. Since 5.45 n.m., we have been shooting back. Every bomb will be answered with bombs. Whoever fights with poison' gas will be fought with poison gas. This fight, no .matter against whom, will be fought until we have secured our rights. I have worked six years in building up the German Army. Over ninety.; thousand million marks have been spent on its construction. To-day it is the best armed and strongest force in the world. Now if I demand every sacrifice from the German people I have the right to do so. I myself am ready to make every conceivable sacrifice. There will be no shortage in Germany to which I myself will not submit. 1 have put on once more that coat which is dearest to me (referring to his uniform). I will not take it off until we are victorious. Hitler Names His Successor. “ Should anything happen to me my successor is Marshal Goering, and after him Herr Hess. Should anything happen to him, then I have appointed the Senate which will make the-worthiest—-that is the bravest—its leader. My life was nothing more than a life for Germany’s resurrection. One word I have never known is capitulation. Let no one think that there will ever again be November, 1918, in Germany. Every German must to-day be a standardbearer of our resistance. I also expect German women to put themselves in this fight with iron discipline. We are all determined that we will never capitulate. If our will is so strong that iio necessity can overcome it then this will and our might shall prevail.’’ Hitler then read the Bill relating to the incorporation of Danzig which was unanimously approved amid applause and cheering.