HITLER’S ATTITUDE

Grey River Argus, 28 August 1939, Page 7

HITLER’S ATTITUDE

A More Hopeful One NO DETAILS LET OUT. NAZIS NOT SO FIRM. (Received August 27, 6.0 p.m.) RUGBY, August 26. Sir N. Henderson’s decision to give a personal account to Lord Halifax (Foreign Secretary), of his long talk with Herr Hitler—the talk lasted for well over an hour, but there was no second interview, as has erroneously been stated in some reports—clearly indicates his opinion that what the German Chancellor had to say was of considerable importance. Official quarters here have given no indication of what passed between Sir N. Henderson and Herr Hitler. Speculation is discouraged, and it is stated, regarding an article, emanating from Berlin, which appeared in a London newspaper, that the description which it purported to give of the interview was totally devoid of foundation. Press and unofficial comment makes the assumption, founded on reports from Berlin, that the British Ambassador brought suggestions for a settlement by negotiation, and, while tney even are more optimistic, the commentators do not go so far as to hope that Herr Hitler’s immediate proposals would be such as the British Government would feel able to transmit to Poland.

Some find encouragement in the fact that the Nazis would appear lo have moved from the position that their claims on behalf of Germany against Poland cannot be made the subject of discussion or of compromise.

Any inspired interpretations, or more or less imaginary reconstructions, of what passed between Sir N. Henderson and Herr Hitler should be treated with the greatest scepticism. Sir N. Henderson himself was not armed with any instructions such as would have enabled him to discuss any suggestions on behalf of the British Government.

Hitler’s Terms VERSION FROM ITALY. COLONIES AN ISSUE. (Received August 27, 7.0 p.m.) LONDON, August 26. The Rome correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain states: Herr Hitler’s proposals to Mr. Chamberlain are reported to be •as foli lows:-— First: The return of Danzig to Germany. Secondly: A German motor highway across the Corridor. Thirdly: The creation of a free port at Danzig for Poland. Fourthly: A German guarantee of the Polish frontiers, with a ten year’ non-aggression pact. Fiftly: Negotiations with Britain for the return of Germany’s pre-war colonies, with a 25 year Anglo-German non-aggression pact. . LONDON, August 26. "The Times” quotes a message from a correspondent in Germany, received at 4.30 a.m. to-day, which guarI dedly suggests that Herr Hitler, in response to strong representations from Sir N. Henderson, has reduced his maximum demands against Poland, and that he is believed to have consented to a medium solution in the interests of peace, bn the basis of the Lansing Note of 1919. This report confirms that Herr Hitler saw Sir N. Henderson twice.

HITLER’S CONCESSION. A “MEDIUM” SOLUTION. BERLIN, August 26. The spokesman of the German Ministry of Propaganda admitted that Sir N. Henderson went t 0 London with a new plan from, Herr Hitler. He was expected to return with Britain’s reply before evening. The spokesman added that Herr Hitler’s plan contained suggestions “for the settlement of the issues with Poland by negotiations rather than by force.” HENDERSON'S RETURN TO GERMANY. (Received August 27, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, August 27. Sir N. Henderson is going to Germany by air to-day with the British Cabinet’s reply to Herr Hitler.