FRENCH APPREHENSION

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 August 1939, Page 7

FRENCH APPREHENSION

MORE TROOPS MOBILISED OFFICIAL CIRCLES RETICENT [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, August 22. There is grave apprehension in Paris, bill a general disinclination to discuss the Soviet bombshell. Official circles “froze up.” The Communist newspaper “L’Humanite” and the Socialist organ, “Populaire,” do not. publish the Soviet-Ger-man pact decision, but give prominence to the trade agreement between Russia and Germany, claiming it as a victory for Russia. “L’Oeuvre” declares:- “All is not lost if the Soviet’s action cures those Frenchmen who had a mania for mixing ideology with foreign policy.” 'rhe Monarchist journal, “L’Actiou Francaise,” demands the immediate recall of the military missions. Approximately 400,000 additional French soldiers have been called up. It is expected that more still wif.l be mobilised later to-day. MILITARY PRECAUTIONS. TARIS, August 22. Cabinet has not decided to summon Parliament. There will be no mobilisation, but units may be recalled to the colours, bringing the army to a strength of 1.500,000, its war footing. Ministers will reassemble on August 24. Cabinet has decided to reaffirm, in common with Britain, the military pledges to Poland, to discover Russia’s intentions regarding the pact, and to take all appropriate military measures. TALKS TO CONTINUE LONDON, August 22. The British Foreign Office spokesman stated: There is no intention to discontinue the talks with Russia. No fresh instructions, however, have been sent to Sir William Seeds (Britisn Ambassador at Moscow). Sir William Seeds conferred with M. Molotov, this evening. M. Naggiar conferred with M. Molotov earlier. It is learned that Sir William Seeds has been instructed to ask M. Molotov for a clear definition of the pact. The “Quai d’Orsay” announces that military conversations with the Soviet will continue despite the RussoGerman pact. INSTRUCTIONS TO DIPLOMATS. PARIS, August 22. The emergency Cabinet meeting lasted 90 minutes.' It was announced that new instructions are being despatched t<KFreif«h diplomats hi European capitals. M. Daladier thereafter conferred with General Gamelin.