“Fuhrer Does Not Think of War”

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 172, 24 July 1939, Page 7

“Fuhrer Does Not Think of War”

But Determined To Have Danzig CRYPTIC STATEMENT FROM BERLIN LONDON, July 21. It is officially stated in Berlin that a German spokesman, in a special statement, said: “We reject a warlike solution for Danzig by 100 per cent. We maintain our demands for the unconditional return of Danzig to the Reich, but Herr Hitler is convinced that this can bo achieved peacefully. The Hitler Government is determined to achieve Danzig’s return. We do not desire to create a crisis as a means of solving the problem, and we definitely do not expect any so-called August crisis." Referring to Germany's military measures, he said: “We cannot overlook the possibility of a non-peaceful solution, despite our wishes and intentions. Whatever military measures wc have taken or may take are not a threat but purely a defensive preparation." In reply to a question as to how long Germany was willing to wait for a peaceful solution, the spokesman answered: “Not years, but probably months. “The German view," he added, “is that the Postelau incident"—the shooting of a Polish frontier guard by a Danzig German, which suddenly increased the tension yesterday—“will close." The spokesman indicated that Germany expected tho Poles ultimately to yield, perhaps agreeing to a general Polo-German settlement, including such points as a German guarantee of the Polish frontiers. The Nazis were convinced that, when the time came, Britain would urge Poland to make concessions. The spokesman added that he was reflecting most faithfully the attitude of tho Hitler Government. Though the belief persists in Berlin that Britain is bluffing, it is expected that she would go further than at Munich but would finally not fight for Danzig. Dr. Ley, leader of the German Labour Front, fresh from Berchtesgaden, said: “The Fuhrer docs not think of war. He desires peace and order."

Meanwhile, defence measures are pushing on at Danzig, but tho Nazis deny that Germany has sent troops. German circles in Danzig are reiterating their desire for a peaceful but uncompromising solution. • They declare that, if the Russian negotiations break down, as is most likely, Britain will advise Poland in her own interests to make concessions.