DANZIG ARMING

Grey River Argus, 29 August 1939, Page 7

DANZIG ARMING

Barricades Up LONDON, August 27. The Danzig representative of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that intensive military activity prevailed throughout the night. Barricades were thrown up on the western frontier. Patrols of soldiers tramped through the streets to the frontier. The Police Commissioner has proclaimed an air ban over the Free City. GERMAN MOBILISATION. LONDON, August 27. ’-The Exchange Telegraph Agency s Berlin representative states that mobilisation is proceeding at fui\ speed. It is obvious in all directions, ahd in practically every form of national activity. Calm prevails everywhere. GERMAN MOBILISATION. NOT GENERAL. LONDON, August 27. ; 'The British United Press Berlin correspbndent says that the Propaganda Ministry denies general mobilisation has been ordered, or that the foreign Military Attaches have been ordered to leave.

HITLER’S PROPOSALS. LONDON, August 27. It is officially stated that it is expected Sir N. Henderson will return to Berlin bn August 28, bearing a reply to Herr Hitler. A further meeting bf Cabinet will be,held at noon on ' AUglist 28. ■■■ ' t ' |, ? r A‘ Cabinet communique says: Re- , pbrt's-appearing in the Press regarding , Herr‘Hitler’s communication are en- ’ tirely unauthorised and quite inac-! citrate;’ ’' ’ ' | The Cabifiet meeting ended at 4.47: ! s.'m. ‘"Cro'wds in Downing Street p cheered the dispersing Ministers. The Admiralty has,assumed control.' of merchant shipping, Which is now ' under naval orders. The King gave an audience to Mr Chamberlain, who, after an hour’s audience, saw Mr Greenwood at No. 10 Downing Street. The Duchess of Kent has arrived by air, from Yugoslavia. Sir N. Henderson was present at the Cabinet meeting. It is understood' that Parliament is unlikely to reassemble before August 30. A more-hopefUl atmosphere seems to prevail at the Foreign Office. A summary of Herr Hitler’s communication; and’ the British reply, mav be I published on August 28. It is understood from authoritative sources that Sir N. Henderson brought Mr Chamberlain a personal letter from Herr Hitler, couched on a "‘pacific i note.”; ■ .Whitehall heavily discounts the siory? that' Herr Hitler sent a personal message to Mr Chamberlain. '-The 'Central News says that Herr Hitler’s proposals at present are not acceptable, but. Britain will leave the door .-open* for further negotiations which will make it plain that she is not weakening to Poland. It is stated that there will be rip pressure from the British Gdverimieht. ’to induce Poland to modify her . attitude.. A five-Power conference, at which Poland was not represented, would not he acceptable to Britain. , •

BRITISH REPLY TO HITLER. LONDON August 28. The “Times” says that nothing can -be said about the British reply until it is drafted, but only minor details in the wording will be adjusted in this statement of policy, whereon Cabinet has unanimously agreed, ana the Government’s first concern will be to confirm Britain’s undertaking to Poland, which all Britain’s armed forces would honour immediately Poland’s vital interests are attacked. The decision between peace or war lies not with Britain, but with Berlin. This country is ready, which ever way the choice falls. There is no question that negotiation could not solve, but the German threat makes negotiations at present impossible. There will at leasf have to be a truce, with the British guarantee still in force, before negotation could succeed. British Cabinet FINALISES REPLY TO HITLER (Received Aug. 29, 12.51 a.m.) LONDON, August 28. The British Cabinet sat for fiftyminutes. No further meeting has been arranged. It is understood that the Cabinet reply to Herr Hitler has finally been approved.

Prayers for Peace ROYALTIES TAKE PART. LONDON, August 27. The King, accompanied by the Dukes of Gloucester and Kent, attended morning service at Westminster Abbey, at which special prayers were offered for peace. AGAINST ANY WAR. BRITISH I.L.P. LONDON, August 27. The Independent Labour Party, refusing “support to any capitalist government in any way whatever,” urged the Labour movement to oppose the Government “before and during any I war.” LONDON EVACUATIONS. TRANSFER OF STAFFS. LONDON, August 27. Many city workers will change their customary destinations on August 28, owing to the transfer of the majority of the staffs of banks, insurance companies and other businesses to the country, leaving skeleton staffs in London. Gangs of workmen, as a protective measure, are sandbagging historic buildings in the city, and many suburban Town Halls and churches. Excessive food hoarding is ollicially discouraged. Housewives are advised to lay in a fortnight's supplies. British Guarantee BELGIUM’S NEUTRALITY BRUSSELS, August 27. The British Ambassador has informed King Leopold that Britain vyill in no circumstances violate Belgian neutrality oi* independence. (Received Aug. 29, 2 a.m.) BRUSSELS, August 28. Sir A. Clive (British Ambassador to Belgium) has handed over to His Majesty, King Albert, from Britain a Note unconditionally respecting Belgium’s neutrality. DUTCH NEUTRALITY. AMSTERDAM, August 25. An oflicial announcement reiterates I with- all possible emphasis that the Netherlands Government is firmly resolved to preserve the country’s neutrality in every respect. Holland has forbidden foreign warI ships to enter Dutch waters. She has : prohibited the export of cotton, metal, rubber, chemicals, and war materials. ' All roads and bridges have been minted. Preliminary mobilisation is being carried out.

Czech Hostility TO THE POLES. I I (Received August 28, 11.40 p.m.) . I PRAGUE, August 28.. The Czech National Party has issued a manifesto appealing to the Bo- > hemians and Moravians to remain * loyal to Germany, and also recalling ■ Polish hostiltiy in last year’s crisis. COMMUNISTS RAIDED. ‘ BY PARIS POLICE. PARIS, August 27. The Russian-German pact has made - life difficult for Communists through--1 out France. The police. raided numerous districts, and l banned many i publications. Many arrests were o made on charges of selling and distri- “ buting Communist literature. had a“Rough spin” It WARSAW, August 26. 0 The Nord Express arrived here with r every window broken. The breaking >t was done during , its journey across e Germany. No explanation was forthcoming.