POLISH THREAT TO LITHUANIA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 66, 19 March 1938, Page 9

POLISH THREAT TO LITHUANIA.

DEMANDS MADE. Troops Concentrating 1 on Frontier. TWO-DAY TIME LIMIT. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, March 18. The Polish Government has sent a Note to Lithuania containing its terms for settlement of the present dispute. The demands of the ultimatum, to which the 48 hours' time limit expires at 9 p.m. to-morrow,- are: — (1) Lithuania must re-establish normal diplomatic relations l»y March .'SI, when diplomatic credentials must be exchanged. (2) All air and«rail traffic suspended over tlie past 20 years must be restored by March 31. (3) The demands must be accepted without discussion apart from that on technical details. (4) There cannot be any discussion concerning Vilna. The terms laid down in the Note are described as "indispensable to the avoidance of further incidents endangering peace." The Lithuanian Government received the Polish Note and the Cabinet met immediately. "The Times" correspondent at Warsaw says the Note is believed reasonable in tone and does not suggest conditions that are impossible for Lithuania to discuss. Troops Concentrating. Poland has declined to consider the Lithuanian suggestion for a diplomatic discussion on the ground that it is merely ail attempt at temporising to divert attention from the major issue, which is the establishment of friendly relations between Poland and Lithuania.

From Kovno it is reported that Poland is concentrating troops on the Lithuanian frontier with the object of bringing pressure to bear on Lithuania so that she will accept the demands. It has been officially announced in Warsaw that the Foreign Minister, Colonel Beck, will make a statement to the Senate on Tuesday upon the whole problem of Polish and Lithuanian relations. "March on Kovno!" In the meantime, thousands continue to parade the streets of Warsa'w shouting: "Seize Lithuania! March on Kovno!" The authorities confiscated a newspaper which stated that the Government had sent an ultimatum to Lithuania, "for publishing false news." The Lithuanian Minister in London called at the Foreign Office. A message from Paris, states that the Russian Ambassador called on the French Foreign Minister. M. Paul Boncour, and, it is understood, discussed the Polish-Lithuanian situation. Mr. Lloyd George also saw M. Boncour. Another Paris message states that the Lithuanian Minister has informed the Polish Ambassador that Lithuania is ready to appoint a diplomatic representative to meet a Polish delegate with a view to clearing up the strained relations. READY TO MARCH. Polish Troops Massed on Frontier. WAR MINISTER'S PLANS. j LONDON', March 18. If Poland's ultimatum to Lithuania is rejected or an unsatisfactory reply is received, Polish troops will march on Kovno, says the "Daily Herald's" Warsaw correspondent. General Kasprzycki, the Polish War Minister, estimates his mechanised infantry and artillery units, already massed on the frontier, will reach the Lithuanian capital in two or three hours. Little resistance is expected from the Lithuanian army, which consists of only 24,000 men. A proclamation would then be issued inviting the Lithuanian people to elect a Government that would make peace with Poland and conclude a lasting political agreement. The Polish troops would then move out, as Poland, it is stated, does not desire to annex the country.

Estonia and Latvia are reported to be urging Lithuania to accept Poland's demands, which also include the punishment of those concerned in the frontier incident. PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT. BRITISH HOPE EXPRESSED. British Official Wireless. RUGBY, March 18. Questioned in the House of Commons on the Polish-Lithuanian frontier incident, the Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain, said the British Ambassador at Warsaw, Sir Howard Kennard, had been requested to impress upon Poland the importance that Britain attached to peaceful settlement of the incident.