LITHUANIA’S SUBMISSION

Evening Star, Issue 22913, 22 March 1938, Page 9

LITHUANIA’S SUBMISSION

POLISH NATIONALISTS NOT SATISFIED DEMANDS NOW CONSIDERED TOO MODEST Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, March 21. The Nationalists, who last week conducted a violent “On to Kovno ” campaign, are wondering, after Lituania’s unconditional acceptance of the ultimatum, whether the demands were not too modest (says the * Daily Telegraph’s ’ Warsaw correspondent). Many declare that having adopted German methods Poland ought “ to have made a job of it.” They feel they have been cheated of their prey, and the establishment of normal diplomatic relations will not go beyond the establishment of transport and communication services and the opening of legations, which are regarded as insufficient. These views animated thousands who, shouting “ Annex Lithuania,” attempted to march to the Foreign Office to protest against acceptance of the Lithuanians’ submission, which was declared to be unsatisfactory to Poland. In speeches preceding the demonstration speakers also demanded mobilisation with a view to invasion of Lithuania. The police dispersed the crowd only after the fire brigade played l hoses on the demonstrators for 20 minutes. The police made 435 arrests.

REASON FOR SURRENDER PRESSURE FROM OTHER POWERS. LONDON, March 21. “Lithuanians state that they surrendered owing to German and Polish pressure and the failure of Russia to provide the aid which was repeatedly promised,’’ says the Kovno correspondent of the * Daily Telegraph.’ “Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania may now establish a real entente, while Poland is anxious for better Russian and German relations. Scandinavia is also interested in the situation, which affords an opportunity for a strong neutral bloc to promote Russian and German peace.” LITHUANIAN CABINET RESIGNATION EXPECTED KOVNO, March 21. (Received March 22, at 12.5 p.m.) The resignation of the Cabinet is expected. POLITICAL CHANGES EXPECTED POSSIBLE RESIGNATION OF PRESIDENT. KOVNO, March 21. (Received March 22, at 8 a.m.) Big changes in the political administration of Lithuania, including the possible resignation of President Smetona, are expected by political observers. There is no doubt that the people regard acceptance of Poland’s demands as a humiliation. Polish troops remain massed along the Lithuanian frontier, though their presence is explained by Poland as normal army manoeuvres.