Second Edition LATE NEWS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 282, 26 August 1939, Page 15

Second Edition LATE NEWS

PRESENT PHASE OF CRISIS

Feeling In Paris And

Warsaw

FRENCH ANGER OVER SOVIET PACT

Mr. Chamberlain Early On Duty

By Telegraph.—Pres* Assn.—Copyright, (Received August 26, 2.10 a.m.)

LONDON, August 25.

Mr. Chamberlain was at his desk at 7 a.m. today after a few hours’ sleep. Mr. Eden was one of the first callers, and then Lord Halifax and Lord Cadogan arrived.

It is feared that the departure of the journalists from Berlin will result in a serious falling-off of news. There has been an ominous silence during most of this morning due to a congestion in the lines, which has now caused three hours’ delay. Paris maintains an imperturbable calm which does not conceal its anger over Russia’s duplicity. On this the “Petit Parisien” says: “The betrayal is complete. The prophet of pan-Germanism and the doubledealer of Bolshevism in league today are like two thieves plotting their next coup.” The French newspapers agree that the crisis has entered a very acute phase, for which Russia is to be blamed. The British Embassy in Paris has urged English tourists to return home as soon as possible. fThis has coincided with a statement from the Foreign Office in London advising the cancellation of holidays on the Continent.

Poland is grateful for Britain’s reaffirmation of unqualified support. Political circles are of the opinion that President Roosevelt’s suggestion of direct negotiation with Germany would be acceptable, but only on a give and take basis. Anything else would smack too much of Munich. The Italian Press attacks Mr. Chamberlain’s speech, which is described as full of equivocations, deductions and hypocrisy and repeats that a catastrophe can occur at any moment and can be avoided only by Poland backing down. RUMOURED PLOT WITH GERMANY Russian Participation In Polish Grab (Received August 26, 1.35 a.m.) BERLIN, August 25. It is reported from a reliable source, but must be treated with reserve, that ■Germany and Russia have agreed to partition a big slice of Poland, with Russia taking in some of the eastern districts and Germany securing the Corridor, and Danzjg and Western Silesia. If Rumania did not remain neutral, Russia would occupy Bessarabia. The remainder of Poland would form a sort of protectorate under Russo-Ger-man direction. BRITAIN’S PATIENCE Praise By Australian Prime Minister COMMONWEALTH DEFENCE (Received August 25, 12.50 a.m.) CANBERRA, August 24. Precautionary defence measures Save been taken by the CommonwealthGovernment. The sailing of some large liners for overseas has been cancelled and the More ton Bay, which left for London today, has been recalled by radio. Safety men have been posted at all large reservoirs and bridges, including the 'harbour bridge, and the whole of the arsenical supplies have been commandeered. _ . The Prime Minister, Mr. Menzies, said that these measures had been taken on the principle that it was better to be sure than sorry. He urged the people to remain calm and as’sured them that the defence machinery was working perfectly. He added that powerful influences abroad were working for peace, and the best contribution the Australian public could make was to go about their affairs in a normal fashion. The information he bad from overseas did not warrant a proclamation declaring the existence, of a “danger Of war.” In a broadcast statement tonight Mr. Menzies declared that the absorption of Poland would lead to attacks on the smaller European countries on one ground and another until a vast dominion of force was established. Australia, he said, was involved by pledges to Britain and France, because, in plain English a defeat of Britain would be the destruction or defeat of the British Empire.

“I say with full knowledge of all the official communications tl at the conduct of These matters by the British Government has been characterized bv wonderful patience, great self-control and a genuine desire for peace. Australia must co-operate in the most effective way with the other British countries, honouring the great British guarantee. The "Daily Telegraph” says that all military leave at every garrison and artillery station in New South Wales has been suspended till further notice by special order.