Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, JULY 18, 1939. POLISH PACT.

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 July 1939, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. TUESDAY, JULY 18, 1939. POLISH PACT.

A T the moment, there is little news from the Polish front, but, so far as Herr Hitler is concerned, it cannot be assumed with any degree of certainty that no news is good news. His coups in the past have been sprung with startling suddenness, and there is no guarantee that, he is not at present preparing a denouement in connection with Danzig, which may result in a further European crisis, if not in. actual hostilities. The fact that Germany has unexpectedly agreed 1o open economic negotiations with Poland, next month, with the object of adjusting the mutual trade balance, is regarded in some quarters as a favourable omen, but there is no

indication that a similar spirit extends to the political sphere. In fact, a semi-official article in the Polish Press expresses the opinion that the middle of August will see Germany make a fresh effort to create war with Poland, apparently with the hope that such hostilities will not develop into a general conflict. In view of the specific guarantee given to Poland by Britain and France, repeatedly emphasised by British and French statesmen, it is difficult to see how Herr Hitler can entertain any hope that action against the Poles will not be followed at once by the carrying into effect of the Anglo-French guarantees. Disquieting reports of German military activity continue to emanate from the Polish border, and it is evident that there is as yet no restoration of international confidence.

In the circumstances, Britain is taking no chances, and is continu-

ing her preparations, on a grand scale, with the object of meeting any attempt at aggression. The latest proof of this is the visit to Poland of General. Sir Edmund Ironside, Inspector-General of the Overseas Forces, whose mission is semi-officially announced as being the co-ordination of the military strength of Britain and her European allies, and the making of preparations to’ bring into operation, if necessary, the British guarantee of practical aid to Poland. The importance of this matter, in the eyes of Britain, is evidenced by the despatch of General Ironside. He was appointed Governor of Gibraltar, last November, but doubts were then expressed whether, in view of his outstanding qualities as a leader of troops, he could be spared from Britain. His recent appointment as Inspec-tor-General shows that these doubts were justified. At the same time, his sojourn at Gibraltar may have been for the purpose of ensuring that there was nothing wanting so far as the Mediter-

ranean was concerned. He is regarded by the Army as being the right man to lead a British expeditionary force in the event of war. Among his many duties is the responsibility for effecting liaison with foreign staffs, hence his visit to Poland, which will be welcomed there as further evidence of British determination to carry out, if the arises, the guarantees undertaken. That hostilities with Britain are still envisaged in Germany is shown by the. declaration of RearAdmiral Gadow, to the effect that an invasion, of England is no longer an academic, but a practical proposition —which is open to question. The revelations con-

cerning German espionage in France are also significant, while it is reported that intensified activity on the part of Nazi agents has been discovered in Britain. On the other hand, of course, there is no doubt that the British agents in foreign countries are no less active, such intelligence systems being a recognised part of modern international relations. Writers on the Great War have declared, in fact, that the Allies were much better served than the enemy countries, in this battle of wits. Meanwhile, if reports are correct, Herr Hitler is having his own* troubles within the Nazi ranks, it being alleged that FieldMarshal Goering and Dr. Goebbels are openly hostile regarding the policy to be adopted in connection with Danzig. The more the Nazis fight between themselves, the less opportunity they will have to think about aggressive moves elsewhere. Tn any event, it is reassuring to know that the combative spirit is not dead in Britain, as proved by, the sequel to the Eton-Harrow cricket match. Battles of the future may still be won upon the playing fields. Let all would-be aggressors take due warning I