HITLER'S "NO" TO BRITAIN

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 199, 24 August 1939, Page 11

HITLER'S "NO" TO BRITAIN

Will Pursue Own Policy REPLY TO ENVOY British And French Guarantees Defied PLEDGES TO POLAND (United Tress Association.—Copyright.— Eer. 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, August 23. An official statement issued at Berchtesgaden states that in compliance with the wish of the British Government, Herr Hitler received Sir Nevile Henderson, British Ambassador to Germany, who handed him a letter from Mr. Chamberlain phrased on the same lines as last night's Cabinet statement. The Fuehrer left Sir Nevile in no doubt that the obligations that Britain had undertaken could not cause Germany to renounce pursuance of her national, vital interests. Sir Nevile Henderson had a brief interview with Herr Hitler at Berchtesgaden and returned to Salzburg, whence he departed ' by air for Berlin. It is reliably stated in Berlin that Herr Hitler told the Ambassador that Germany will not permit the British guarantee to affect her vital rights and claims. The official confirmation given in London that the British Ambassador was to see Herr Hitler provided a dramatic new turn to the European crisis. Sir Nevile left Berlin by aeroplane at 9.20 a.m. for Salzburg, whence he immediately motored to Berchtesgaden. It was learned on good authority that Sir Nevile Henderson would present to Herr Hitler a statement along the lines of last r'ici* lCa ,** communique expressing Britain's determination to fulfil her pledge to Poland. The French and Polish Governments had been advised. The Berlin correspondent of the British Associated Press states that Herr Hitler on Tuesday dispatched couriers to most Governments in Europe setting out Germany's position in relation to Danzig and the Corridor. Official circles are confident that the trouble will be oyer within 48 hours.