Manawatu Evening Standard. TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1939. POLAND’S POSITION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 100, 28 March 1939, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1939. POLAND’S POSITION.

Advices from Warsaw report a Poland deeply alarmed at the developments in Europe. The army, by a process of secret mobilisation, has been trebled in strength to one and a half million effectives, providing- the framework of a wartime force of four millions. A statement appearing in the official organ of the War Office is jingoistic in tone and rather contemptuous of the might of Germany. “We are ready for war, even with the strongest antagonist. Poland has no inferiority complex in relation to any of the big Powers, and is terrified neither by the number of their regiments nor the technical armaments of any other Power. We believe in the strength of our divisions and the fighting spirit of our men.” In these words this and other Polish newspapers sum up the national spirit. But Poland may be likened to the small boy going along a dark lane at night and whistling to keep up his courage. No words, however brave they may be, can avail much against a militaristic neighbour ten times more powerful. And Poland has very good reason to fear aggression from Germany, in spite of their pact of non-aggression and any promise from the latter to the former as a bribe to remain aloof from Britain and France, for the Reich is determined in its own good time to have Danzig and the Corridor back within its fold. The separation of this territory from Germany has been regarded by Germans as one of the big crimes of Versailles, and one that time must repair. But time will not be allowed to run its course if the Fuehrer shows the same contemptuous attitude towards Poland, and the same disregard of national rights, as he did towards other States. Once he has consolidated his latest gains in Europe, Danzig will know that Germany is behind her in any movement for immediate restoration to the Reich.

For a long time Danzig had so engaged the attention of European Chancelleries that the words of Marshal Foch, “Keep your eyes on Danzig should trouble reappear in Europe,” were pregnant with meaning. But Herr Hitler has chosen to make Memelland his first choice in the northeast. though it can hardly be doubted that he will rest content

at this stage. Those who framed the Versailles Treaty had a difficult problem to settle in regard to Danzig. Poland hud just been restored to nationhood and had a sound claim to access to the Baltic. The Corridor was resolved upon, dividing East Prussia from the rest of Germany. Poland was satisfied, but Germany angered, and the “Shame of the Corridor” has persisted. Whatever consolation there was at first in the independence given to Danzig has been forgotten under the Nazi regime. East Prussia had the port’s facilities at its command equally with Poland, and more so when the Poles spent millions upon the new port of Gydnia, to the west of Danzig. Steadily German influence has become dominant in the Eree City. There is a Nazi majority in the Senate and Polish rights have received scant consideration from the truculent German element. Every effort, whether through the League of Nations or other channels, to create a better understanding and friendship in the matter of Danzig and the Corridor has been met with difficulties, and this no doubt has been part of a German plan to hinder any attempt that might be likely to frustrate the Nazis’ aims. No doubt when Hitler deems it expedient Danzig and the Corridor will be incorporated in the Reich and another German crime against international order will have been recorded.