A DEFEAT SEEN FOR BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22796, 23 August 1939, Page 9

A DEFEAT SEEN FOR BRITAIN

REPORTED OPTIMISM IN GERMANY “ALL DANGER OF WAR REMOVED” Iratio nisi usocunoi— copyright.) (Received August 22, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, August 22. Amid the general surprise created by the announcement of the nonaggression pact between Russia and Germany, it emerges from German semi-official circles that its speedy conclusion has already removed the long-existing tension between Russia and Germany.. The impending*pact will doubtless help to clear the international political atmosphere to the extent of making the “encirclement” Powers more cautious in ■ their policy towards Germany. The preliminary negotiations between Berlin and Moscow ran concurrently with the British and French- negotiations with Russia. German circles are very , optimistic regarding the European reaction to the pact. They regard’ the pact as a double blow to Britain’s attempt to enlist Russia in the British-French encirclement policy. Britain Impotent to Help The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” says well-informed Germans regard the development as removing all danger of war from Europe, arguing that Britain has suffered a ; grave diplomatic defeat and will hardly now care 'to carry out her obligations to Poland. Therefore the German demands against Poland will be granted fully, and Britain will be obliged to make the best of the hew situation and accommodate herself to the new order in Europe. It is emphasised that Germany has no intention of attacking Britain or her possessions, and if Britain shows common sense, an excellent understanding may be reached with the rulers of the Continent.

In any case, it is asserted. Britain L now impotent to help Poland and must therefore make the best of a bad job which, however, in the German view?, will prove a constructive step in the interests of world peace. The Berlin correspondent of the Associated Press of America says well-informed circles are unable to say how the pact between Russia and Germany will affect the AntiComintem Pact, under which Germany, Italy, and Japan pledged themselves to oppose international Bolshevism, but it is emphasised that all eventualities have been foreseen and German-Japanese relations have been taken into consideration. Basically, Poland’s position appeared to be greatly weakened, for no matter what the western democracies might now arrange, Poland could not expect help from the east.