THE SOVIET-GERMAN PROPOSALS

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22830, 2 October 1939, Page 10

THE SOVIET-GERMAN PROPOSALS

Russia Not Expected To Fight “ASTONISHING CONFESSION OF NAZI WEAKNESS” (UNITED press ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) (Received October 1, 8.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, September 29. A dispatch to the “New York Times” from Mr G. E. R. Gedye, in Moscow, on the Soviet-German peace proposals, states: “Although the wording of the German and Soviet communiques has produced an intense war psychosis, alarm, despondency, and confusion among the Russians, the more sophisticated foreigners are inclined to be very calm. The reference to consulta- . tion, it seems, is a paper concession to Germany in exchange for a Soviet free hand in the Baltic States. “Even if Germany paid a further price by withdrawing from the advanced line in Poland to a new reduced territory, the advantages to the Soviet would be both political and military—minimising the risk of attack from East Prussia, retaining in a homogeneous population the co-racial Russians severed only since 1920, and leaving Germany almost the entire Polish population.” Mr Gedye adds: “There is already a considerable collection of newly subjugated, rebellious and revengeful subjects in Germany—lndignant Poles, contiguous to the Czechoslovaks, who are contiguous to the Austrians-—all united by the bond of Catholicism. M. Stalin may consider he is well rid of a hot-bed of future revolts. “The neutrals’ chief impression of the new pact is that it |s an astonishing confession of Nazi weakness and distrust of Germany’s ability to face a long war. It is possible, but most doubtful, that Herr , von Ribbentrop received an assurance that the ominous consultation clause means a full military alliance, the value of which would be doubtful. Russia’s submarine fleet is not proved. It might smuggle a few submarines to the North Sea and also to the Mediterranean, but that, apart from giving supplies to the extent of her limited available resources, is believed to be the total of Russia’s possible efforts, coupled perhaps with the stirring up -of Afghanistan against India. “Certainly intervention on the side of the Nazis is abhorrent to. the majority of Russians and would strain their loyalty. All. Russia has achieved, apparis an _encouragement, of Germany, whose .plunging deeper into war to ultimate, destruction seems to be the only dearlydiscernible aim ofThe Soviet/’

PEACE URGED IN MOSCOW

“New Situation Has Arisen” GERMAN VERSION OP PACT f ~ W (Received October 1, 8.50 p.m.) MOSCOW, September 30. The official newspaper, “Pravda,” Urging- peace in western Europe, says that Russia and Germany will make an effort to en* hostilities, and if necessary will, draw' in other, friendly Powers to make a similar effort. ■ The Soviet press attempts to absolve Germany from war guilt. Tbe. Berlin radio to-day stated: “It now rests with England to choose between peace and war. It is within her power to give peace to the rest of . the world. A new political situation in Europe has arisen through the Russian and German agreement for lasting peace to be established in the east by the two great Powers.” Before leaving Moscow by air, the . German Foreign Minister (Herr von Ribb'entrop) said the following points had been settled:— (1) Russian-German friendship had finally been established; (2) Russia and Germany would not allow, any further interference in Eastern European questions; ' ■ (3) Both desired the re-establish-ment of peace, and Britain and France to give up the completely ■ futile and hopeless struggle against Germany; (4) Should the British and French warmongers prevail, Russia arid Germany knew how to meet such a situation. ■ The Moscow correspondent of the British United Press states that the economic aspect of the , agreement is understood to provide for increasing total trade to £100,000,000 annually, which was the level two years before Hitler’s advent but is nearly 10 times the total provided in last month’s agreement. The Moscow wireless states that leaflets embodying the Nazi-Soviet agreement were scattered from the air in the Russian area of Poland. The leaflets stated: “The agreemerit ends the Polish nobles’ exploitation and oppression of White Russians and Ukrainians, who can face a future full of happiness and justice.” Russia, immediately after Herr von TWririanti-nris departure, resumed fthe Turkish ForSukru- Saracoglu), tracked during the U,iOf _the. Sr"-

BRITISH-FRENCH y CONSIDERATION; NO CHANGE SEEN IN SITUATION SOVIET ASSURANCE OF NEUTRALITY LONDON, September 29. _ The British War Cabinet is considering the Russian-German Pact in close consultation with France. The Paris correspondent of the Associated Press states that the French Government has officially indicated that it will reject the Russian-Ger-man peace terms. Well-informed Soviet circles state that the Soviet Ambassador (M. Maisky) assured the Foreign Secretary (Lord Halifax) on September 27 that the Soviet intended to maintain a policy of neutrality. The Soviet is prepared to accept the British proposals and open trade negotiations on the lines of a visit to Moscow by the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade (Mr R. S. Hudson). The Polish Ambassador (Count Raczynski) called on Lord Halifax and protested against the RussianGerman Pact. A similar protest was made to the French Government, the Ambassador stating that Poland would never accept the RussianGerman terms, and that it counted on England and France continuing the war until victory brought the reconstruction of Poland. “The Times” states that there is no reason to believe that the Rus-. sian-German agreement will, seriously change the situation, especially n view of M. Maisky’s assurances that the Soviet is maintaining neutrality. The agreement leaves the great majority of Poles to Germany 1 which, has' sustained a diplomatic reverse in the Baltic. ■Baltic observers state that Germany’s bloodless victories have ceased and that Herr Hitler and Herr von .Ribhentrop are now scoring them for M. Stalin. “Fatal Mistake” French officials state that it would be a fatal mistake to accept ' the German- peace overtures - though they have documentary proof of a secret Russo-German military alliance.’ A British - Official Wireless message says: “Meanwhile there is little likelihood of a Government statement. It is, however, well to recall that the possibility of such ah agreement has been implicit in the situation ever since the signature of the German-Russian Non-Aggression Pact, and the general situation which was contemplated when the Prime Minister made his recent statement in Parliament is in no way changed in consequence of the Moscow developments. Speaking in the House of Commons last week. Mr Chamberlain,' defining the British attitude, said: w OriT general purpose is well Vwwm. It is to redeem Europe from the perpetual'and recurring fear of German aggression, and to enable the people of Europe to preserve their independence and liberties.” .. These words were repeated, in / rirmal official statement folic® o’' 0 ’' he speech by Signor Mussplim /Sunday . last. What has hojr | curred: : br~msy. occur, is w no*"ifeg to ehange this attitude,. /ttS tion is in"all .essential same as . Britam>haf# since the war - bega/ v. ■■ ■" ■ ’ v