HITLER MOVES AGAIN

Evening Star, Issue 23350, 21 August 1939, Page 9

HITLER MOVES AGAIN

NAZI STRATEGY IN EUROPE MILITARY POSSESSION OF SLOVAKIA NEW THREAT TO ROMANY AND POLAND Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, August 18. The Bratislava correspondent of the Association Press of Great Britain reports that a radio station announced: “ Owing to the existing situation, Germany has taken military possession of Slovakia.” The announcement was, for some unexplained reason, made in English, which few Slovakians understand. It has been reliably learned that the defence agreement between Germany and Slovakia places the Slovak army, of 30,000 and reservists, numbering 300,000, under the German command. ‘ The Times ’ says Germany’s establishment of a military protectorate in Slovakia has not surprised London. It enables her to put further pressure on Hungary, while it strengthens and deepens the Reich’s south-eastern flank in the event of war against Poland.

MILITARY STAFF IN CONTROL THOUSANDS OF TROOPS ON FRONTIER LONDON, August 19. The Bratislava correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain reports that German troops have been Hung out at least 100 miles along the Polish-Slovakian frontier, a far greater distance than was fixed when Germany guaranteed Slovakia’s independence by treaty last March. Tens of thousands of troops have been observed in the vicinity of Zilina, where tho townsfolk are preparing to flee from their homes at a moment’s notice. Others are moving up mountainous regions in the north and east, described as strategically Poland’s back door. The German military staff has assumed complete control of the country areas, although Bratislava in tho meantime is ostensibly remaining under Slovak authority. General Csatloa resigned last week after refusing the German suggestion that he should send two Slovak divisions to the Polish frontier. The National Council persuaded him to retain the command, which is now worthless. The Germans overnight closed down two Czech and all Jewish newspapers in Slovakia.

BERLIN'S EXPLANATION " FOLLOWING COURSE MAPPED OUT " BERLIN, August 19. It has been officially stated that German military activity in Slovakia is limited. The presence of a military mission in Bratislava and occupation of the zone were agreed upon in March. The sole official comment on the occupation is: “ The developments are following the course mapped out when Slovakia arranged and received German protection.” LOGICAL SEQUEL TO TREATY THREE DEDUCTIONS FROM MOVE LONDON, August 19. The broadcast announcement from Bratislava that Germany was taking military possession of Slovakia, as reported last night by the Associated Press of Britain, is the logical sequel to the signing of the German-Slqvakian treaty. Reference thereto as “ owing to the existing situation ” applies to the rapid deterioration of GermanPolish relations and Slovakia’s strategic position between Poland’s southern frontier and) Hungary’s northern frontier. The text of the agreement has not been disclosed, but it is stated to refer to the delimitation of the military zones the German forces are to occupy. The treaty implements the GermanSlovak agreement, signed after the annexation of Bohemia and Moravia, under which Germany was authorised to build and man and garrison the forts which extendi from Germany’s eastern Siegfried Line into Slovakia as far as the River Warthe. Germany is permitted to install a military mission at Bratislava and supervise activities. Heavy concentrations of German troops have been established throughout Slovakia for some time, and the announcement merely ratifies their presence. The diplomatic correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ makes three deductions from the announcement, as follows:

First, Hungary has lost her last hope of taking over Slovakia by agreement with Germany. Secondly, Germany will be able to have troops on Hungary’s northern frontier and exert greater pressure on Budapest. Thirdly, Germany has automatically strengthened and deepened the south-eastern flank in the event of war against Poland by fortifications on Slovakia’s northernfrontiers. POLAND NOT SURPRISED CONTINGENCY PROVIDED FOR WARSAW, August 19. The Spokesman said: “We have long known that Slovakia would! be a military base for operations against

Poland, and we have provided for this contingency. Germany’s move is open proof of her intention to encircle Poland.” AUSTRALIAN COMMENT STRONG FORGES WORKING FOR PEACE MELBOURNE, August 20. Sir Henry Gullett, Minister of External Affaire, said to-day that the Bratislava radio anonuncement practically meant that the status of Slovakia had become little better than that of Bohemia and Moravia, and had! very little military significance. He added that in spite of the gravity of the international situation, strong factors and forces were still working in the interests of peace. The danger of an early outbreak of war “ lies in the very limited time which remains to Herr Hitler during the European late summer and autumn. If Herr Hitler is to strike this year he will strike now at any time.” GRADUAL MOBILISATION GERMAN STAFF TAKES CHARGE LONDON. August 20. (Received August 21, at 10.15 a.m.) The Bratislava correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says gradual mobilisation of the Slovakian army began to-day under the direction of the German General Staff. The two divisions which General Csatloa refused to send, also 300,000 reservists, have been despatched! to the Polish frontier as “ necessary for the protection of the country.” STORIES AND REPORTS ARTILLERY ALREADY IN POSITION LONDON, August 20. (Received August 21, at 1.5 p.m.) The Budapest correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says confirmation is growing of stories about Gorman military forces taking over Slovakia. Reports are plentiful concerning ammunition and barbed wire dumps, camouflaging artillery already in position, and the requisitioning of schools for billets. Count Czaky arrived at Graz on an unknown mission. It is known that Hungary is anxious to preserve her neutrality in the event of war.