GERMANY’S ELATION

Evening Star, Issue 23353, 24 August 1939, Page 11

GERMANY’S ELATION

NEXT MOVE AWAITED PARTITION OF POLAND PLANNED ARMY READY TO MARCH AT MOMEHT'S NOTICE LONDON. August 23. Germany’s elation prows as the world, after a troubled night, turns its eyes towards Moscow, where Herr von Ribbentrop is expected early. It is confidently expected that the pact will be signed within a matter of hours, after which Germany’s next and decisive move might follow any minute. There is now no doubt that the German Army is ready to march at a moment’s notice. The German Press significantly does ndt mention the British Cabinet’s statement. Officials, however, appear to be surprised at the statement’s firmness, but profess they continue to believe that neither England nor France would fight. The same quarters assert categorically that the Versailles Poland “ is dead,” and predict' a fourth partition, and openly threaten that Germany will march to Warsaw and .beyond unless a settlement on the Czechoslovakian lines is forthcoming. Even if the worst comes the average German is convinced that it would be all over in four or five days. His viewpoint coincides with the ‘ Boersen Zeitung’s headlines London Puzzled and Afraid— Recognition of Defeat.” The Press has made Germans believe that Russia will now stand shoulder to shoulder with Germany and actuallyjoin in grabbing Polish territory. The newspapers unanimously declare that Germany has resumed Bismarck’s foreign policy of friendship with Russia, which ex-Kaiser Wilhelm imprudently destroyed. Field-Marshal Goering’s paper, the 1 National Zeitung,’ ominously declares that Herr Ribbentrop’s discussions in Moscow will deal with a division of mutual spheres of influence, which is accepted as proof that partition of Poland is planned. The ‘ Lokal Anzeiger ’ says Poland is now completely subordinated, and will have to accept whatever Russia and Germany dictate. MOBILISATION COMPLETED AIR RAID WARDENS ON PERMANENT DUTY BERLIN, August 23. (Received August 24, at 11 a.m.) The final concentration of troops has been completed, and the last reservists who would bo called up in the event of war have received their papers. From the morning of August 24 all air raid wardens will be on permanent day and night duty. DRAMATIC NEW TURN VITAL MESSAGE TO HITLER FROM MR CHAMBERLAIN LONDON. August 23. Official confirmation in London that Sir Nevile Henderson will see Herr Hitler to-day provided a dramatic new turn in the crisis. He left Berlin by air at 9.20 a.m. for Salzburg, whence he will immediately motor to Bcrclitesgaden. It is understood that he is bearing a vital message from Mr Chamberlain.

NAZI NOTE TO BRITAIN HITLER STATES GERMANY'S TERMS LONDON, August 23. The American Associated Press representative in Berlin is reliably informed that the German Note to Britain was actually a detailed memorandum from Herr Hitler to Mr Chamberlain, setting out Germany’s uncompromising position with regard to Poland. Mr Chamberlain decided to- reply in terms of the Cabinet communication, which has not been published in the Gorman newspapers. Herr Hitler is reported to have declared that, if Poland fought, it would mean partition, but, if it chose to settle the position peacefully, Germany would agree ,to an arrangement somewhat similar to that of Bohemia and Moravia, namely, Poland to enjoy autonomy under German protection. Herr Hitler repeated, in strong language, that neither Britain nor France was concerned with Germany’s dispute with Poland. The representative understands that this was the second document within two weeks sent to Mr Chamberlain. The first memorandum was handed to Mr Chamberlain through a private individual, who stands close to the Prime Minister and also enjoys the confidence of the highest Nazi circles. NOTES TO OTHER GOVERNMENTS BERLIN THINKS TROUBLE WILL SOON BE OVER LONDON, August 23. (Received August 24, at 11 a.m.) The Berlin correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain reports that Herr Hitler yesterday despatched couriers to most Governments in Europe setting out Germany’s position and relations with Danzig and, the Corridor. Official circles are confident that the trouble will be over within 48 hours. SIGNS OF HOPE GERMAN SHIPPING ON HIGH SEAS (Independent Cable Service.) LONDON, August 23. The King will return to London tonight from Balmoral, but the . Queen and the Princesses will remain in Scotland. The 1 Daily Express,’ pointing out “signs of hope,” says yesterday Germany had over 500,000 tons of her best merchant ships on the high seas or about' to leave port. Twenty-five liners are keeping their normal ocean going, schedules. During the Munich crisis all' German liners were recalled home. FRENCH PRESS COMMENT ANNOYED WITH RUSSIA to PARIS, August 23, The Press, while acknowledging a tremendous setback, expresses the opinion that the pact remains to be seen. Whatever the outcome, it is re-empha-sised that Britain and Franco will stand firm. Many papers violently attack the Russians’ duplicity, which has made German aggression a matter of days, not weeks. It is foreseen that Russia is attempting to create a new European alignment, enabling her to exert her own guidance in the future balance of power. ‘Le Matin ’ states: “ The only thing now inevitable is that Britain and Prance should allow themselves perpetually to be duped and betrayed, and allow themselves to be made ridiculous in the eyes of the world.” France will send thousands of reservists to the frontiers overnight. The Government is anxiously awaiting M. Naggiar’s report, on which will depend the decision whether to break off the Moscow talks. MOLOTOV “VERY EMBARRASSED" FRANCE PREPARES FOR. PARTIAL MOBILISATION PARIS, August 23. (Received August 24, at 11 a.m.) The Foreign Office issued the following statement:— “M. Molotov was ‘very embarrassed ’ when M, Naggiar called for an explanation of tho Russo-German pact.” It is not stated whether M. Molotov’s reply was regarded as satisfactory. M. Daladier, in a communique after an emergency meeting of the National Defence Council, announced that France was calling up supplementary contingent reservists to the colours to complete the measures already taken. It is understood that this is a prelude to partial mobilisation. HOPES OF AGREEMENT " UNCONDITIONAL HELP FROM RUSSIA" LONDON, August 23. (Received August 24, at 11 a.m.) The Exchange’s Paris correspondent says the Government has sent fresh instructions to M. Naggiar to seek from M. Molotov affirmation that in' the event of international complications Russia will be ready to conclude an agreement provided Poland accepts unconditional help from Russia. M. Noel has been instructed to secure the necessary assurance from Poland.

RUMANIA'S ALLIANCE WITH POLAND POLITICAL CIRCLES PERTURBED BUCHAREST, August 23. Political circles are perturbed owing to Rumania’s alliance with Poland. Dr Gafencu is consulting his advisers and foreign diplomats. It is the opinion that the dilatoriness of the Western Powers in the Russian negotiations led to the Russian-German rapprochement. DECLINES TO BE DRAWN IN RUMANIAN POLICY DEFINED BUCHAREST, August 24. (Received August 24, at 10 a.m.) The Rumanian Spokesman announced that Poland was informed a fortnight ago that Rumania declined to be drawn into a war for the sake of Poland, despite the traditional friendship. \ HUNGARY'S POSITION HATRED OF BOLSHEVISM LONDON, August 23. The Budapest correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says Hungarians cannot reconcile their friendship with Germany and their hatred of Bolshevism, and are awaiting the reactions of Western Powers to Herr von Ribbentrop’s negotiations. The authorities fear an increase of the activities of Hungarian Nazis. The Bratislava correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says a huge demonstration demanded the return to Slovakia of the Cavorina district, which Poland took in the autumn. The Istanbul correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says the country was surprised, but is cautious and determined to resist aggression in accordance with its pledge, but it is aware that western prestige has suffered a blow. BRATISLAVA DEMONSTRATION TENSE ATMOSPHERE ON POLISH FRONTIER PRAGUE, August 23. (Received August 24, at 8 a.m.) One hundred thousand participated in the Bratislava demonstration and wrecked two synagogues. The crowd also demonstrated before the heavilyguarded Polish Consulate. The atmosphere on the frontier is reported to be most tense, and anti-Polish feeling among the Czech and . German populations is running high. Czech and German refugees are arriving constantly from Poland, and minor border incidents are occurring every day. BRUSSELS PEACE CONFERENCE OSLO POWERS REVIEW SITUATION BRUSSELS, August 23. (Received August 24, at 8 a.m.) The conference of Oslo Powers opened here with a review of the international situation by the Belgian Prime Minister, M. Pierlot. KING LEOPOLD’S BROADCAST POWERFUL PLEA FOR PEACE BRUSSELS, August 23. (Received ,August 24, at 10.45 a.m.) King Leopold, broadcasting in the name of all the signatories to the Oslo Convention, said the world was living under such high tension that collaboration between countries seemed impossible. War would bring economic collapse everywhere. Armies were getting ready for a horrible struggle in which there would be neither victor nor loser, but the loss of the spiritual values acquired during centuries of civilisation, yet not a single nation wished to send its children to death. “It is still possible to negotiate. The worst can be avoided, but time presses. The evolution of events will soon render all contact more difficult. The right to live must exist. It must be founded on a moral basis. We solemnly hope that those responsible for the ’guidance of countries will accept the suggestion to submit their differences and claims to negotiation in a spirit of goodwill. I hope the heads of other States will join their voices with ours in the same desire to assure peace and security to their peoples.” King Leopold spoke in the most solemn tones in the presence of the Oslo Convention Ministers, who during the day considered a proposal to call a world conference, but it was withdrawn as several delegates doubted its usefulness. BROADCAST ENDORSED BRUSSELS, August 23. (Received August 24, at 11 a.m.) A communique issued after the Oslo Powers’ meeting agreed with the terms of the statement the King of the Belgians broadcast to-night. The Powers affirmed their readiness to collaborate actively in any international effort at conciliation, and said they would intervene in a conflict only to defend their menaced independence.

FINLAND PESSIMISTIC INDEPENDENCE THREATENED HELSINKI, August 23. Observers are pessimistic, their main anxiety being that (Russia and Germany may co-operatively threaten Finland’s independence. JAPANESE IMPRESSIONS FAVOURABLE INTERPRETATION OF PACT TOKIO, August 23. The Foreign Office Spokesman said he was unable to interpret the RussoGerman pact. Japan, however, expected Germany to provide stipulations to avoid inconsistency with the antiComintern pact. It is not thought that the pact will affect Japan’s fixed policy to create a new order in Eastern Asia. The Domei Agency quotes a Foreign Ministry statement that the pact with Herr Hitler was a master stroke, enabling him to settle Danzig while not contravening the anti-Comintern pact and not changing Japan’s policy in Asia. PACT MERELY MADE TO SOLVE DANZIG ISSUE TOKIO, August 23. Officials are most reserved with regard to the pact, but it is commonly complained that Japan has been ‘‘ sold out.” The ‘ Asahi Shimbun ’ predicts that the pact will be short-lived, and will merely be used by Germany to assist to solve the Danzig issue. RIBBENTROP ARRIVES IN MOSCOW TO SEE M. MOLOTOV IMMEDIATELY LONDON, August 23. Herr von Ribbentrop arrived at Moscow at 1 p.m. local time; He will see M. Molotov at 3 p.m. TWO CONFERENCES MOSCOW, August 23. (Received August 24, at 10 a.m.) Herr von Ribbentrop conferred with M. Molotov this morning. They met again in the afternoon. RUSSIAN PUBLIC IGNORANT OF POSITION MOSCOW, August 23. The Russian public are entirely ignorant of the boiling of the European cauldron. The Press has not mentioned Herr von Ribbentrop’s visit, the recall of the British Parliament or the general fears of war. AMERICANS IN EUROPE PLANS FOR EVACUATION WASHINGTON, August 23. The Acting Secretary of State, Mr Sumner Welles, army and navy chiefs, and a score of officials from five departments conferred at length to-night. They discussed arrangements for evacuating 100,000 Americans from Europe and steps to preserve American neutrality in the event of war. It has been learned that nine new members are being appointed to the War Resources Board in preparation for an emergency. Earlier the Polish Ambassador waited on Mr Welles and stressed the point that Poland would defend herself against territorial demands, even if deserted by England and France. The American Ambassador to Poland has been authorised to warn Americans there of the danger of a conflict. President Roosevelt, who is spending a holiday aboard the cruiser Tuscaloosa, is silent. When he returns on Friday he will face numerous petitions for his intervention to preserve peace. PRESIDENT GRAVELY CONCERNED RETURNING TO WASHINGTON IMMEDIATELY WASHINGTON, August 23. (Received August 24, at 10.5 a.m.) Gravely concerned about the crisis, President Roosevelt and Mr Cordell Hull are hastening to Washington, where the question of the United States making a peace move will probably be discussed to-morrow. The Acting Secretary of State, Mr Sumner Welles, advised Americans not to travel to Europe. He added that the American Embassies in France and Poland had warned nationals to leave. A second extraordinary conference of army, navy, and civil departmental chiefs was held to-day to discus American moves after an outbreak of war. President Roosevelt has ordered the cruiser Tuscaloosa to put in at Sandy Hook, New Jersey at 8 a.m. to-morrow. A special train with a Whitehouse staff is awaiting so that he can work as it speeds to Washington. AMERICAN TOURISTS ADVISED TO LEAVE ITALIAN FRONTIER ZONE CANNES, August 23. (Received August 24, at 10.30 a.m.) The United States Consular authorities have advised tourists to prepare to depart from the vicinity of the Italian frontier.