IN POLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1939, Page 5

IN POLAND

FRONTIER MANNED AWAITINC GERMAN DEMANDS. (Unite) Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, August 21. There have been considerable movements of Polish troops towards the frontiers of Western Poland and Slovakia. These, however, are regarded as being a normal Polish precaution. In view of the German dispositions. The Polish public continues to be unperturbed. This chiefly is because | the threat of a German invasion of Poland lias long existed before the present crisis. Tile Polish newspapers predict that it is only a matter of days before Germany submits her final demands.

A CONCRETE FORMULA. LONDON, August 21. The British .Associated Press believes that events during recent days indicate that there is a concrete formula for the negotiation, the Imminent rejection or acceptance of which will decide whether Europe’s problems will be solved at a ence table or, on the battlefield. ‘. Attention.: is -drawn to an increasing general ,use"of.'the words “De Tag” in Berlin." n.- i •• r ■:

HUNGARY’S REFUSAL. PASSAGE FOR GERMAN TROOPS. LONDON. August 91. The “Daily Express” says: “Hungary has refused a demand by Herr Hitler that she- should allow German troops to cross her frontiers, and thus facilitate the free passage of German troops against Poland and Rumanian in the event of war. It has been ascertained further that Herr Hitler asked Count Csaky (Hungarian Foreign Minister) for close economic and military co-operation of Hungary with Germany. Herr Hitler said he wanted a decision quickly. A little over a week ago, Signor Mussolini told Count Csaky that he would do his best for Hungarian independence, but when Count Csaky .flew to Rome, on August 18, lie found a sharp change in II Duce’s attitude. Count Csaky vainly pleaded for three hours. II Duce advised him 'to accept, at least, the bulk of Herr Hitler’s demands, as otherwise Italy'would disinterest herself in Hungary’s affairs. When Count Csaky returns to Budapest shortly, a proclamation of “benevolent neutrality to Germany” will be issued. The declaration will show Hungary’s willingness to place agricultural products at Germany’s disposal, blit she will refuse to be bound by any military commitments.

HUNGARY’S NEUTRALITY. PRESSURE BY GERMANY. BUDAPEST, August 21. Tiie journal. “Nemetzo,” partially sheds some light on Count Csakv’s journcyings to Germany and Italy. It declares: “Germany in realising that Hungary is indispensable for a push eastwards wants to attach her to the Reich politically militarily and economically, while leaving her the outward form of independence. The paper adds: “Hungarians have no illusions about the outcome of such an attachment. The Regent, Admiral Horthy, is therefore doing his utmost to combat the German pressure. Hungary is very loth to be drawn into a war against her friend, Poland. .In the fateful hours that are 1 " ; approaching, , Hungary desires to pursue neutrality, but she realises that Hungarian integrity cannot be preserved; without Poland’s independence.’’

OPTIMISTIC VIEW. IN BRITISH OFFICIAL CIRCLES. (Independent Cables). (Received this day at 10.10 a.m.) LONDON, August 21. The “Evening Standard” says a fairly optimistic view prevails in British Government circles, despite the increase of international tension. Official circles do not believe that Germany is anxious to risk war, while England and France have made every effort to leave no doubt that an attack on Poland would mean a general conflict.

FRENCH AND BRITISH CONFER. PARIS, August 21. M. Daladier and Mr Hore Belisha conferred at the War Ministry, and covered .the international situation in great detail. The French cabinet meets on August 22. POLISH CUSTOMS DISPUTE. (Received this day at 10.10 a.m.) DANZIG. August 21. Officials of the Polish Ministry of Finance conferred with representatives of the and chief inspector of customs, in an effort to settle the prolonged customs dispute. Two Polish customs officials arrested on August 10 on charges of distributing anti-Nazi leaflets, have been released. ITALIAN WARNING. ROME, August 21. Dr. V, Gay-da says Signor MuSso

lini will not mediate in Danzig. He lias already told Poland to negotiate directly with Germany and make the necessary adjustments, or suffer the consequences.

POLISEI TROOP MOVEMENTS

(Independent Cables)

(Received this day at 10.5 a.m.)

BERLIN, August 21. * Strong Polish troop movements and concentrations are reported along the borders of Moravia. At many points roads and bridges are reported to be mined in the vicinity of Jablunka. British journalists have not received any official warning to prepare to evacuate, in the event of war.