SOVIET RESERVES

Grey River Argus, 11 September 1939, Page 8

SOVIET RESERVES

CALLED UP LAST WEEK

Will Poles be Attacked ? lAust & N.Z. Cable Assn.] MOSCOW, September 8. The Soviet is rushing war materials towards the Western frontier. It is unofficially stated that she is calling up reserves. (Received September 10, 7 p.m.) MOSCOW, September 9. It is stated, from unimpeachable sources, that the calling up of Russian reserves began on Friday and possibly before then. The Soviet authorities are requisitioning horses and motor cars belonging to civil organisations. Russian doctors and nurses have been registered and instructed in the duties in the event of emergencies. The correspondent of the “New York Times” states: Some foreign diplomatic observers view the Soviet’s activity as being in preparation for an advance by Russian forces through the Wilno Gap, leading through difficult, marshy country to Poland, with the object of cutting off and seizing the Polish troops who are in the north-east.

Other observers believe that the Soviet is concerned at the rapid progress of the Germans, with the prospect of their reaching the Soviet frontier, and is making defensive preparations. Another message from Moscow states that the Soviet Commissariat of Foreign Trade has been authorised to limit and to prohibit exports to those countries where legislation, administrative acts, or currency restrictions create conditions unfavourable to the Soviet’s foreign trade.

A SUDDEN MOBILISATION (Received September 10, 7.30 p.m.) MOSCOW,, September 9. The Tass (Russian) News Agency states that parts of several Russian military classes are being called up as the result of the Polish-German war, which it adds “acquires a wide, menacing character.” NEW YORK, September 9. The Moscow correspondent of tnc “New York Times” states: — “Apparently Soviet troops trains last night left Moscow on what is normally the eastern route, and It is not impossible that they then took a westerly direction.” Those called up include individual members of the 1901 to 1911 classes. A number of doctors have been ordered from Moscow, and others have been recalled from their vacations, thus tending to confirm that the preparations were not planned but are dictated by alarm at the unexpectedly rapid progress of the Germans in Poland towards the Russian front. Should the French western offens’ve relieve the pressure on Poland, enabling a halting of the German advance, the Soviet may relax the precautions.

JAPAN AND SOVIET

Pact Proposed PREMIER ABE’S STATEMENT. (Recd. Sept. 10, 11.20 p.m.) NEW YORK, September 10. The American Associated Press correspondent at Tokio states that the Premier of Japan, General Abe, warned the nation against the belief that Japan might be able to force the Western Powers to retreat from the Far East because of the war in Europe. General Abe also disclosed that the Japanese Government is considering a non-aggression pact with Russia. JAPANESE GENERAL. WISHES SUCCESS TO BRITISH. (Received September 10. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 10. The Peking correspondent of the British United Presfe states that General Shigeru Hasunuma, farewelling Colonel Spear (the British military attache whom the Japanese have released from prison) at Kalgan said: “I suppose you want to go to the front now. I hope you win!”

New French Taxes ON ALL INCOMES. (Received September 10, 10.14 p.m.) PARIS, September 10. It is officially stated that men between the ages of 18 and 49 must contribute four per cent of their incomes to the war budget as from October 1, 1940, non-servicemen of similar ages must give fifteen per cent as from October 1, 1939. Industrial and commercial profits and professional incomes will be taxed fifteen per centum. FRENCH CURRENCY. STATE CONTROL. (Received September 11, 1.15 a.m.) NEW YORK, September 10. 'rhe American Associated Press at Paris states that the French Government has taken control of foreign exchange and of the export of capital and gold. ARGENTINE OBJECTS. TO BRITISH CONTRABAND RULING. (Received September 10, 7.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, September 9. The Buenos Aires correspondent of the Associated Press of America, says that the Foreign Minister (Senor Cantilo) delivered a note to the British Embassy regarding Argentina’s objection to foodstuffs being listed as contraband. ARGENTINE BAN. ON GERMAN AIR LINE. (Received September 10, 7.30 p.m.) BUENOS AIRES September 8. The Argentine Government cancelled permits for trial flights projected by a German-owned South American line l on the ground that the airmen might reconnoitre and give the location of British warships.