PEACEFUL SOLUTION OF DANZIG PROBLEM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 191, 15 August 1939, Page 9

PEACEFUL SOLUTION OF DANZIG PROBLEM.

HOPE IS BRIGHTER.

Terms Believed Sent To Holy See. 30 DAYS' TRUCE SUGGESTED. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, August 14. Hope of a peaceful solution of the Danzig issue has brightened the international outlook. The Berlin Press, if arrogant, is less menacing. Though the "Giornale d'ltalia" insists that the Salzburg conference between Count Ciano and Herr von Ribbentrop, the outcome of which has not yet been disclosed, is the last warning to the democracies. The Italian Press otherwise adopts a ''wait and see" attitude. The German and Italian Embassies to the Holy See sent an identical communication to the Holy See, with a preliminary sketch setting out the terms of a peaceful settlement before the situation further deteriorates. "The Times" Rome correspondent quotes the communique as re-emphasis-ing the Italian and German desire to peacefully solve European differences for which a 30 days' truce is suggested in order to organise a conference of British, French, German and Italian Foreign Ministers. Further, since the British guarantee to Poland contemplates Poland judging whether the easus belli clause should function in the event of her independence being threatened, Britain should transmit to Poland a solution of the Danzig question reached as a result of the Foreign Ministers' mutual agreement, asking whether she considers her independence threatened thereby. Her reply that it was not, would signify her acceptance of the solution. The truce could then be extended in order to examine remaining questions. Acceptance of the Axis proposals should slacken tension and favour a peaceful solution. ■ Polish circles regard stories of the formulation of the Ciano-Ribbentrop plan, of which the above may be the outcome, as mere kite-flying, inasmuch as Poland firmly adheres to the terms of Colonel Beck's speech of last May. Meanwhile, the result of Dr. Burckhardt's mission to Germany is still undisclosed. "The Times" Berlin correspondent understands that he wished to learn from the Fuehrer the terms on which Germany would agree to a settlement of the Danzig Customs dispute, but excludes the suggestion that the visit may envisage a general settlement. Britain, France and Poland are in constant diplomatic touch in view of the possibility of Dr. Burckhardt's visit foreshadowing an attempt to detach Poland from the Western Powers.

DANZIG FRICTION. Arrest And Counter-Arrest Of Opposing Officials. ALLEGED NAZI INSULTS. ' (Received 12.30 p.m.) DANZIG, August 14. The Danzig police arrested three Polish Customs officers, who were patrolling Danzig harbour, on suspicion of attempting to smuggle inflammatory literature. The Polish Commissioner in Danzig protested to the Senate, which promised immediate investigation. Two Germans were arrested in the Polish Corridor on charges of insulting Polish Customs officials and the Polish nation.

ESTHONIA FIRM. NEUTRALITY REAFFIRMED. (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON. August 14. "The Times" Warsaw correspondent says M. Eenpalu, Prime Minister, of Esthonia, asserts that Eethonia will not allow herself to be involved in a military conflict under any circumstances. She had proclaimed her neutrality, which meant that no treaties to which, she has not consented would bind her. Her people would defend M ieir independence, rifles in hand. '