RETURN OF DANZIG

Evening Star, Issue 23325, 22 July 1939, Page 15

RETURN OF DANZIG

DEMANDED DY GERMANY

HITLER BELIEVES IN PEACEFUL SOLUTION THINKS BRITAIN WILL NOT FIGHT Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright BERLIN, July 21. (Received July 22, at 10.20 a.m.) It is officially stated that the Spokesman, in a special statement, said: “We reject a warlike solution of \Danzig by 100 per cent. We maintain our demands for the unconditional return of Danzig to the Reich, but Herr ,Hitler is convinced that this can be achieved peacefully. The Hitler Government is determined to achieve Danzig’s return. We do not desire to create a crisis as the means of solving the problem, and we definitely do not expect any so-called August crisis.”

Referring to Germany’s military measures, the Spokesman said: “We cannot overlook the possibility of a nonpeaceful solution, despite our wishes and intentions. Whatever military measures we have taken, or may take, it is not a threat, but a purely defensive preparation.”

In reply to a question how long Germany is Willing to wait for a peaceful solution, the Spokesman answered;. “ Not years, but probably months. The German view is that the Postelau incident makes it close.”

The Spokesman indicated that Germany expected the Poles ultimately to yield, perhaps agreeing to a general Polo-German settlement, including such points as German guarantee of frontiers. The Nazis were convinced that when the time came Britain would urge Poland to make concessions. The Spokesman added that he was reflecting most faithfully the attitude of the Hitler Government. ' Though the belief persists that Britain is bluffing, it is expected that she will go farther than • Munich, but finally will not fight for Danzig. Dr Ley, fresh from Berchtesgaden, said: “ The Fuhrer does not think of war. He desires peace and order.” WARSAW NOT OPTIMISTIC, ANOTHER ROUND OF “ BATTLE NERVES ? " LONDON, July 21. (Received July 22, at 10.43 a.m.)

From Berlin, Tokio, and Rome comes news in relation to' an easing of the tension, but the optimism is not shared in Warsaw, where the German statement is described as a combination of wishful thinking and persistent propaganda.

The Berlin correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ declares that the statement may be the opening of another round of “ battle nerves.” The British attitude to the suggestion that London should exert its influence to make Poland amenable will be studied attentively. The Berlin correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain pointed out that the German Spokesman clearly expected that Britain, by pressure on Poland, would settle Danzig peacefully, and declared that, rather than plunge Europe into war, some Power—Britain was meant—should brutally call Polish Chauvinists to order. No British or French statesman denied that Danzig was German. Britain was a realist country that knew that as long as Danzig was not a part of the Reich it would be a source of constant friction.

The Spokesman asked if it were not reasonable to rejoin Danzig to Germany and compensate Poland with favourable neighbourly relations.

"TOD NAIVE TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY"

LONDON 'TIMES' COMMENT

LONDON, July 21. (Received July 22, at 12.30 p.m.) ‘ The Times ’ says the German statement is considered too naive to he taken seriously. Berlin is surprised that the London Press gave it prominence. The statement did not mean that German policy has altered. QUA! D'ORSAY'S OPINION PARIS, July 21. (Received July 22, at 1 p.m.) ■ e Quai D’Orsay Spokesman said the statement couid be regarded more trustworthy if German military activity ceased. POLISH REJECTION DANZIG'S EXPLANATION OF SHOOTING LONDON, July 21. (Received July 22, at 1 p.m.) The Warsaw correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says M Chodacki rejected Danzig’s explanation of the Postelau shooting, demands punishment of the murderer, and reserves action. Poles arrested a Danzig Customs officer in the Polish territory of Kartuzy. DEFENCE MEASURES BEING PUSHED ON DANZIG, July 21. (Received July 22, at 1.30 p.m.) The defence measures are being pushed on, but the Nazis deny that

Germany has sent troops.