BRITISH ATTITUDE

Grey River Argus, 20 September 1939, Page 9

BRITISH ATTITUDE

TO THE SOVIET Uncertainty Indicated [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, September 18. ■Well-informed circles state that there will not be a rupture of Britain’s diplomatic relations with Russia, much less a declaration of war, since it is thought that Russia believed she was serving her own vital interests, by the invasion of Poland. Britain has officially charged the Soviet with attacking her own ally, Poland, and has proclaimed her determination to fulfil the British obligations to Poland, “a'nd to prosecute the war with all her energy,** until her objects are achieved.” Although the Russian invasion of Poland was not wholly unexpected in London, and was implicit in the Rus-sian-German Pact, the development imparts a new factor into the situation, which is being anxiously studied by the British Ministers, and which will be the subject of consultat ons with the French and Polish Governments, when full official reports arrive from Moscow. Conferences between Ministers, with the assistance of officials, were frequent throughout yesterday, and are continuing to-day. In informed circles, the view is taken that a situation not dissimilar from that which has now arisen would have occurred if Russia had been allied with Britain and France, in the event o f the Polish Government being driven beyond its frontiers, as is now

reported to be the case. It is noted in this connection that M. Molotov emphasises the necessity foy “protecting" the White Russians and Ukrainians ~ The newspapers, while regarding as specious the professions of the Soviet, detect in M. Molotov’s communications an indication that the Russian Government is alarmed at the rapidity of the German advance, and the threat it offers to Russia’s Western frontier. . The “Daily Mail” says: “Russia says that Poland is abandoned and without leadership, but she is neither. Britain and France do not desert their friends. They will fight for the independence of Poland, and the destruction of tyranny, and will secure both.” Telegraph,” “is as imponderable as ever,” and after discussing the possibilities in detail, it adds: “Whatever the future may hold, two things are certain. The presence of a powerful Russian army on his Eastern frontier will immobilise a large part of Herr Hitlers forces, at a time when tney are needed in the West. Poland, brutally stricken to earth, will rise again.”

LONDON PAPERS. INCONCLUSIVE COMMENT. LONDON, September 18. The “News-Chronicle” states: “The intervention in Poland has no doubt been hastened by the speed of tfle German advance. It may be that Moscow has begun t o fear, lest the impetus of Herr Hitler’s drive might carry him further than it was convenient to remain, and find him establishing himself on or dangerously near the existing Russian frontier. Immediate Russian action, to occupy a slice of East Poland, and more especially to safeguard the Polish Ukraine from German penetration before it was too late, would be the obvious reaction to such a fear.” “Russia’s policy,” says the “Dail>

Pope’s Neutrality AMERICAN PRESS CONJECTURE. MAY SIDE WITH ALLIES. (Received September 19, 8.20 p.m.) NEW YORK, September 18. A New York “Times” representative at Vatican City says: “It is most likely that the Vatican will side with Britain and France as being champions of Christianity against Paganism and Communism, if Russia and Germany should prove to be allied In an ever-expanding war. A Cowardly Move ! VATICAN PAPER ON SOVIET INVASION. (Received Sept. 20, 1 a.m.) ROME, September 19. ’’The Soviet action towards Poland constitutes a cowardly gesture,” declares the “Osservatore Romano,” the semi-official organ of the Vatican. Polish President ADDRESS BEFORE DEPARTURE. i LONDON, September 18. , M. Moscickir before his departure from Poland, thus addressed the Poles: “Citizens, at a time when our army, with indomitable courage, struggled against the enemy’s over-j whelming power, Russia invaded our land, in violation Of covenants and morality. We are facing, not for the; first time in our history, an invasion from the east and west. Poland, al- j lied with England and France, has battled for the rule of law against lawlessness, and will emerge victorious. With heavy hearts have we decided to transfer the seat of Government t 0 a place reassuring sovereignty, and opportunity to safeguard the interests of the State. I am sure you will preserve through all ordeals the spirit of dignity and pride which has earned you the admiration of the, world. Almighty God will vindicate the justice of our cause.”

Turkey’s Rolei . WHAT IS IT? (Received September 20 1 a.m.) ROME, September 19. The paper, “Lavoro Fascista,” states: "Turkey has assured Russia that she will not neglect her trade relations with Germany.” The paper adds: “It is believed that Italy and the Balkans will only be suffered- to remain outside of the qpn-| flict if they keep Germany sup-' plied.”