NEW GERMAN PLAN?

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 28 August 1939, Page 8

NEW GERMAN PLAN?

SPECULATION ON TERMS | HITLER AND MUSSOLINI EXCHANGE VIEWS LONDON, 26th August. The spokesman of the Propaganda Ministry in Berlin to-day admitted that Sir Nevile Henderson went to London with a new plan from Herr Hitler. The spokesman added that Herr Hitler's plan contained suggestions “for settlement of the issues with Poland by negotiations rather than force.” The Rome correspondent of the AsI sociated Press of Great Britain states that Herr Hitler’s proposals to Mr Chamberlain are reported to be: (1) The return of Danzig to Germany. (2) A motor highway across the Corridor. (3) The creation of a free port at Danzig for Poland. (4) A German guarantee of the Polish frontiers, with a 10-year non-aggression pact. (5) Negotiations with Britain for the return of Germany’s pre-war colonies, with a 25-year Anglo-German nonaggression pact. “The Times” quotes a message from a correspondent in Germany, received at 4.30 a.m., guardedly suggesting that Herr Hitler, in response to strong representations from Sir Nevile Henderson, reduced his maximum demands against Poland, and, it was believed, consented to the medium of a solution in the interests of peace on the basis of the Lansing Note. The report confirms that Herr Mitler saw Sir Nevile Henderson twice. INSPIRED SUGGESTION The Rome correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that inspired morning newspapers emphasise that the intense diplomatic activity increased the hopes that war might be averted. It hinted that Signor Mussolini might take a hand in the endeavour for a settlement. The Rome correspondent of the British United Press says the authoritative newspaper “111 Messagero” states that Herr Hitler gave Sir Nevile Henderson a plan for a peaceful solution of the Polish dispute. It is officially revealed in Rome that Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini last night exchanged views twice. Herr Hitler made the first approach by telephone. Mussolini telephoned his reply at 6 p.m., and Hitler again telephoned at 9.30 p.m. The Exchange Telegraph’s Berlin correspondent says that a very strong impression was current in diplomatic circles last night that Italy might, in

certain eventualities, remain neutral in any European conflict.