POLAND READY.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 19 March 1938, Page 5

POLAND READY.

ULTIMATUM TO LITHUANIA. TROOPS MASSED ON FRONTIER. (By Telegraph-Press Assn.-Copyright) Received Friday, 11 p.m. LONDON, March 18. If Poland’s ultimatum to Lithuania is rejected or an unsatisfactory reply is received, Polish troops will march on Kovno, says the Daily Herald’s Warsaw correspondent. General Kasprzycki, the Polish War Minister, estimated that his mechanised infantry and artillery units, which are already massed on the frontier, would reach the Lithuanian capital in two or three hours, and little resistance is expected from the Lithuanian Army, which consists of only 24,000 men. A proclamation would then be issued inviting the Lithuanian people to elect a Government that would make peace with Poland and conclude a lasting political agreement. The Polish troops would then move out, as Poland, it was stated, did not desire to annex the country. The Warsaw correspondent of the British United Press says that Warsaw’s demands to Lithuania include the restoration of diplomatic relations, the recognition of Vilna as Polish and the resumption of normal traffic between the two countries. The terras laid down in the Polish Note are described as “indispensable to the avoidance of further incidents endangering peace.” .It is officially announced from Warsaw that Colonel Beck, in the Senate on Tuesday, will make a statement on the whole problem of Polish and Lithuanian relations. Meanwhile thousands continue to parade the streets, shouting: ‘ ‘ Seize Lithuania! March on Kovno!” The authorities have confiscated a newspaper which stated that the Government had sent an ultimatum to Lithuania “for publishing false news.” The Warsaw correspondent of the Times says the Note from the Polish Government to Kovno is believed reasonable.

Its tone does not suggest conditions impossible for Lithuania to discuss. Estonia and Latvia are reported to be urging Lithuania to accept Poland’s demands, which also include the punishment of those concerned in the frontier incident on March 14. Questioned in the House of Commons on the Polish-Lithu-anian frontier incident, Mr. Chamberlain said the British Ambassador at Warsaw had been requested to impress upon Poland the importance Britain attached to a peaceful settlement of the incident. LITHUANIAN CABINET MEETS (Received This Day, 9.30 a.m.) WARSAW, March 18. The Lithuanian Government has received the Polish Note. Cabinet met immediately.

POLISH ARMY CHIEF GOES TO VILNA (Received This Day, 9.30 a.m.) WARSAW, March 18. It is reported that General Edward Smigly-Rydz, Comraander-in-Chief oi the Polish army, has gone to Vilna despite the ultimatum. PEACEFUL SOLUTION. GERMANY’S URGENT DESIRE. (Received This Day, 9.50 a.m.) BERLIN, March 18. Germany is reported to have indicated 1,0 Warsaw her urgent desire for a peaceful solution of the Lithuanian issue.