TROOPS READY TO MARCH

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22355, 19 March 1938, Page 17

TROOPS READY TO MARCH

Polish Demands To Lithuania

RECOGNITION OF RIGHTS

Popular Desire For

Action

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.)

(Received March 19, 12.5 a.m.)

LONDON, March 18,

It is reported from Warsaw that the Polish Government has sent a Note to Lithuania containing its terms for a settlement of the present dispute. It requests a reply within 36 hours.

The Warsaw correspondent of the British United Press says that the Polish demands to Lithuania include the restoration of diplomatic relations, the recognition of. Vilna as Polish territory, and the resumption of normal traffic between the two countries.

If Poland’s ultimatum to Lithuania is rejected, or an unsatisfactory reply is received, Polish troops will march on Kovno, says the Warsaw correspondent of the “Daily Herald.”

General Kasprzycki, the Polish War Minister, considered that his mechanised infantry and artillery units, which were already massed on the frontier, would reach the Lithuanian capital in two or three hours. Little resistance was expected from the Lithuanian army, which consisted of only 24,000 men. Change of Government Wanted 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, did, 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 of Msrch 14. The terms laid down in the Polish Note are described as “indispensable to the avoidance of further incidents endangering peace.” , . _ It is officially announced from Warsaw that Colonel Josef Beck (Polish Foreign Minister), in the Senate on Tuesday, will make ® statement on the whole problem of Polish and Lithuanian relations. Meanwhile, thousands of people continue to parade the streets, shouting, “Seize Lithuania! March on Kovno!” The authorities have confiscated a newspaper which stated that the Government sent an ultimatum to Lithuania, “for publishing false news.” The Warsaw correspondent of “The Times” says that the Note from the Polish Government to Lithuania is believed to be reasonable in tone. It is not suggested that the conditions will be impossible for Lithuania to discuss. LITHUANIAN CABINET MEETS

RECEPTION OF NOTE

WARSAW, March 18. The Lithuanian Government has received the Polish Note. The Cabinet met immediately.

PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT DESIRED

BRITISH CONCERN AT INCIDENT

RUGBY, March TT,

When questioned in the House of Commons on the Polish and Lithuanian frontier incident,' the Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) said that the British Ambassador at Warsaw had been requested to impress upon Poland the importance Great Britain attached tq a peaceful settlement of the incident.