NEW MEASURES TAKEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 53, 31 August 1939, Page 9

NEW MEASURES TAKEN

POLISH DEFENCES

BUT NO POLICY CHANGE

READY TO NEGOTIATE

BROADCAST TO THE NATION

(By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright.) (Received August 31, 10 a.m.)

LONDON, August 30,

Warsaw reports that Poland has called up an undisclosed number of reservists.

The communique calling more men to the colours declares that the Reich started the aggressive policy against Poland and the open, continuous claims by Germany upon Polish territory leave no doubt that Poland is endangered. Poland accepted all efforts for conciliatory action, made either by high personages or Governments friendly to Poland, but they have brought no response from the Reich. The Foreign Office spokesman commented that Herr Hitler's Note to Britain afforded no settlement of the situation.

A radio announcement declared: "German aggression on the frontier, provocations in Danzig, and the occupation of Slovakia have created a threat to Poland necessitating new measures in order to complete the defence system. It should be pointed out that the Government's peaceful policy is unchanged and that Poland is ready for negotiations." The. army is now almost completely mobilised.

It is estimated that 1,800,000 men are under arms.

A broadcast warned shipping to use pilots when approaching the Gulf of Danzig, which, it is assumed, the Poles are mining. The Warsaw correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain states that though posters, the first of their kind, declared that the President had ordered a general mobilisation, in addition to requisitioning transport, official quarters explained that the order affected about 500,000 men, which is only a quarter of the general mobilisation. The Warsaw correspondent of the British United Press says that the classes affected are trained reservists under 40 years of age and other ranks under 35 years.

They are to report within three days.

The Warsaw correspondent of "The Times" says that Polish reports declare the Danzig population is becoming unnerved. Danzig shipyards have allegedly dismissed Poles without notice.

The Poles also allege that Danzigers have been ordered to report for service between September 10 and 15 in Polijh territory. In Warsaw it is officially denied that Poland has informed Britain that any further concentration of German troops would make it necessary for Poland to invoke the British and French guarantee. It is reported that the situation in Slovakia is very grave, but it is denied that an official communique was issued declaring that Poland feels her independence is threatened.

Large posters have appeared throughout the city stating: "Force must be met by force! We will not surrender our territory! The invader will be defeated!"

The Warsaw correspondent of "The Times" states that the Poles allege that Danzig police are expelling Poles from their homes and have arrested some. Consequently, young Poles are leaving the Free City for Poland.