NAZI REFUSAL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20034, 5 September 1939, Page 7

NAZI REFUSAL

BRITISH REQUEST HITLER REASONS CALL TO THE ARMY : ‘RLOW UP THIS RING” END IN FEW MONTHS “RIGHT AND JUSTICE” (Eire. Tnl, Copyright —United Tress Assn.) (Reed. Sept. 4. 2.15 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 3. The German broadcast announced Britain’s declaration that a state of war existed between Britain and Germany by reading the answer which was allegedly given to London by Berlin. “The German Government and nation refuse to accept or fulfil the ultimate demands from the British Government,” the announcement stated.

Germany did not intend to destroy Poland, but merely sought to rectify the frontiers. Britain made a peaceful revision, impossible, and Britain was responsible for the Polish terror against the German minority and the violation of the Danzig Statute by Poland. Britain repudiated Signqr Mussolini’s peace plan. “We will reply to each attack with equal arms and in the same form,” the announcement added.

Germany’s note says firstly that )he German people are not in a position to accept or fulfil any British ultimatum. Secondly, it alleges that the British Government nullified all German attempts at a peaceful settlement. Encouraged Poland

Thirdly, it'contends that the British Government approved and encouraged the Polish steps against Danzig and the German minority, saying that Britain rejected Signor Mussolini’s proposal for a settlement, although Germany had declared her willingness to accept the suggestion. Fourthly, it is stated that Germany could not tolerate conditions on her eastern border similar to those in Palestine.

Fifthly, it is stated that Germany, therefore, rejects the ultimatum to withdraw her German troops.

‘■The British Government has let its mask fall and proclaimed war on a threadbare pretext,” declared Herr Hitler in a message to the German Army on the western front. He then proceeds: “Britain, driven on by those warmongers whom we knew in the last war, has done this, despite the fact that Germany made no demands against any State westward of the Reich and despite Germany’s offer of cordial understanding and even friendship.” "Ring Laid Round Germany”

Herr Hitler repeats the allegation that British protection led to Polish aggression. “I am determined to blow up this ring which has been laid round Germany,” he declares. Claiming success of the German army and air force against Polish attacks, Herr Hitler declares that theneastern comrades expect the soldiers of the western front to protect the Reich, and refers to the Siegfried fortifications as 100 times stronger than the western front during the Great War. which, he claims, was never conquered. “If you do your duty the battle in the east will have reached a successful conclusion in a few months,” he says. “Then- the -power of the whole Nazi State stands behind you. As an old soldier of the World War and your supreme commander, I am going to the army in the east. “I know that God will favour us with victory, as right and justice are on our side.”