WILL RESIST FORCE

Evening Star, Issue 23352, 23 August 1939, Page 11

WILL RESIST FORCE

BRITAIN'S OBLIGATIONS TO POLAND IN NO WAY AFFECTED BY NEW PACT LONDON, August 22. (Received August 23, at 10.5 a.m.) It is officially announced that Parliament has been summoned for August 24. Both Houses will be asked to pass the Emergency Powers Defence Bill, enabling the Government without delay to take necessary measures and precautionary steps. Meanwhile these /nclude the calling up of certain personnel in the three services and A.R.P.

Cabinet unhesitatingly declared that the Russian-German pact would in no way affect the Government’s obligations _ towards Poland, which Britain is determined to fulfil. Cabinet decisions included the calling up of certain personnel in civil defence and arranging to deal with certain matters affecting the export of essential materials and commodities. The British Government is ■ of the opinion that there is nothing in the German-Polish difficulties involving a European war. The Government is ready to create conditions of confidence. Cabinetadds: “ If, despite all efforts, others insist on the use of force, the Government is prepared and determined to resist it to the uttermost.” Mr Stanley Bruce called on Mr Chamberlain for the second time after the Cabinet meeting. IM|JOR CRISIS AT HAND GRAVITY OF SITUATION REALISED LONDON COMMENT OK PACT CAUTIOUS (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, August 22. (Received August 23, at 11 a.m.) The decision to have a full meeting of Cabinet at the meeting of senior Ministers arranged for to-day was taken last night in view of the tension in Europe and following a prolonged consultation between Mr Chamberlain and Lord Halifax. The French Cabinet also met to-day, andl there is alto a meeting at Brussels of the Oslo Powers summoned by King Leopold. These various meetings may be regarded as indicative of the gravity with which recent developments are viewed. News from Germany of the concentration of forces on the Polish frontiers—it is estimated that 2,000,000 men are mobilised —represents an important threatening factor in these developments, and it is the general belief that a major crisis is at hand.

It was in the light of this position that Mr Chamberlain decided to call the full Cabinet into consultation. The full significance of the surprise announcement that Herr von Ribbentrop is flying to Moscow to sign the pact cannot yet be appreciated, and in informed quarters in London no comment is offered on the subject. This news was received; in London too late for general Press comment. The general attitude that is taken, however, is one of caution in the expression of views at this stage. In a calm but firm leading article the ‘ Daily Mail ’ says: “ In view of the unparalleled international situation which thus appears to be created, caution counsels that we should await fuller details before considering the implications of this development.”

NO FURTHER MEETING OF CABINET PARLIAMENT TO ASSEMBLE ON THURSDAY (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, August 22. No further meeting of Cabinet has been summoned, but Ministers have been asked to stand by. The House of Commons will meet at the usual time on Thursday. A motion for adjournment will be moved, and Mr Chamberlain will make a statement. He will be followed by Mr Greenwood and Sir Archibald Sinclair, In the House of Lords Lord Halifax will make a statement. ♦ LABOUR LEADERS DECLARATION ISSUE RESTS WITH HITLER LONDON, August 22. (Received August 23, at 10 a.m.) Mr A. Greenwood, in a statement, said; “ I take a most grave view of the international position. I consider it the duty of all citizens to remain calm and steadfastly withstand further acts of aggression ns the only way to maintain peace in Europe. It is not too late for sane counsels to prevail. The issue of peace or war rests with Herr Hitler. If the blow falls our consciences are clean. I am sure our people will face the future with confidence and determination.” EMERGENCY MEETING OF NATIONAL COUNCIL (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, August 22. (Received August 23, at 11.30 a.m.) There will be an emergency meeting of the National Council of Labour tomorrow afternoon, 1