Molotoff's First Broadcast Speech

Northern Advocate, 18 September 1939, Page 5

Molotoff's First Broadcast Speech

Broadcasting for the first time in his life M. MolotofF said:

The last phase in the breakdown of Poland has gradually assumed a threatening character for the Soviet. “Nobody would have imagined the Polish forces could have been driven back .so rapidly. “In the situation which has arisen Russia's treaty with Poland has iceasted to have any significance because the Polish State has virtually disappeared. There is internal bankruptcy and the patent incapacity of the Polish State has been demonstrated by the events of the past fortnight. Government Disappears. “Poland has lost all her industrial centres. Warsaw has ceased to exist as the centre of Government, and nobody knows where the Government has gone. Such a situation imposes particular concern on the Russian Government. ‘The rapid advance of the Gorman troops has created a new situation in Eastern Europe. The Soviet Government is willing to help the Polish people escape from the catastrophe into

which they have been plunged through the adventurous and unscrupulous policy of their Government. “Polish territory has become a field for any kind of accident and eventuality Russia’s Duty. The Soviet has been neutral to the last, but cannot remain so in the face of this situation, nor can it remain neutral to the fate of the Ukrainian and White Russian populations. Its duty is to extend a fraternal hand of assistance to these people. “I therefore have instructed the High Command of the Red Army to march across the frontier and assume the protection of the lives and property of these people.” M. Molotoff concluded with an appeal to the army for vigorous discipline in the carrying out of the honourable task of emancipation. No Need For Rationing. Addressing Russian civilians, M. Molotoff said; “There lias lately become evident a desire to accumulate food and other goods because of the fear of the introduction of ration cards.

“The Government does not intend this for any goods. “Even if the present measures are prolonged, our country is well provided with necessities and can dispense with food rationing. “The current problem for Soviet employees, intellectuals and all citizens, is to work honestly and self' sacrificingly at their posts, thus rendering support for the Red Army. "I am confident that the army will carry out its duty with honour and glory to all citizens. “The members of the army are at present united as never before round the Government and the great wise leader. Stalin, for now and unprecedented successes in peaceful labour Germany’s Full Approval. “The Soviet Government is endeavouring to re-establish in Eastern Poland order and peace, which are no longer guaranteed as the result of the defection of the former Polish State and the flight of the Polish Government.” The spokesman of the Propaganda Ministry in Berlin stated early this morning that the Russian action had Germany’s full approval.