LESS TENSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23177, 25 October 1938, Page 9

LESS TENSION

MEMEL SITUATION GERMAN MINORITY CONCESSIONS LIKELY LITHUANIA'S POLICY By Telegraph—Press Associalion—Copyright LONDON, Oct. 23 The tension in Memel has relaxed slightly as the result of reports from Kaunas that Lithuania is prepared to make concessions to the Memel Germans in order to avoid an explosion, states the correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. It is reliably stated that far-reach-ing modifications are contemplated in the State protection law, which is opposed on the ground that it perpetuates a different form of martial law. and has been enforced for twelve years. There is also talk of a Polish-Lithu-anian non-aggression pact. The annexation of Austria and Sudetcnland deeply stirred the Memel Germans, who feel that their turn should be next. There is continual danger that hotheads will stir up an incident, resulting in the killing of Germans, thus leading to Germany's intervention. It is believed that Germany at present is attempting to apply a brake to Lithuania, which is scenting danger. She seems to be preparing a policy of friendship toward Germany.