BECK'S TERMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23340, 8 May 1939, Page 11

BECK'S TERMS

PEACEFUL METHODS PARLEYS_POSSIBLE GOODWILL OF .POLAND • ONE-SIDED CLAIMS By Telegraph—Press .Association—Copyright WARSAW, May Q "Germany still seems to be demanding one-sided concessions over Danzig, and communications across Pomerania," said Colonel Beck in his speech. "A self-respecting nation does not make one-sided concessions. Where is the reciprocity ? It looks rather vague in the German proposals.

"Herr Hitler mentioned a triple condominium for Slovakia. I heard that suggestion for the first time in Herr Hitler's speech. Allusions were merely made in the course of earlier conversations that in the event of a eeneral agreement the problem of Slovakia could be discussed. We have not sought to pursue such conversations because it is not our custom to make bargains involving the interests of others. "Moreover, the extension of a nonaggression ' pact to 25 years was not proposed in any definite fortn in the course of the recent conversations although unofficial allusions were made to it by the Germans. Conversations Still Possible

"Herr Hitler proposed as a-concession on his part the recognition and the definite acceptance of the existing PoloGerman frontier. This would be a recognition of what is our property indisputably, de jure and de facto, for which reason this proposal cannot alter my point, that the German claims regarding Danzig's communications remain one-sided.

"The last passage in the German memorandum reads: 'lf tho Polish Government attaches importance to a new contractual settlement of Polo-German relations, then the German Government is prepared for it.' The motive for such an agreement would/ be the word 'peace,' which Herr Hitler emphasised in the course of his speech. "Peace certainly is Poland's aim, but tho conditions necessary for this word to have real value are: (1) Peaceful intentions; (2) peaceful methods of action. If Germany is guided by these two conditions—provided that the principles I previously enumerated are respected—all conversations are possible.

"If conversations materialise, Poland will regard the problem objectively in view of her experience in recent times, but she will not refuse goodwill. Poles do not know a conception of pence at any price. The only thing in life for men, nations and States which is without price is honour." Time Gone for Diplomatic Finesse

Colonel Beck later appeared on the balcony in response to demonstrators. He said: "The time has passed for diplomatic finesse. The whole country must be determined. We Avill do our best to interpret your thoughts and sentiments in our foreign policy."

Parliament voted emergency powers to the Government until November 1, enabling it to deal with all economic, financial and defence matters without Parliamentary sanction. It also carried by acclamation a resolution approving of Colonel Beck's speech, the Ukranian deputies joining in.

Only a few hundred people had gathered to hear street broadcasts of the speech.

WORLD'S FIRST NEED

RESTORE GOOD FAITH POLISH LEADER'S EMPHASIS —i—(Received May 7, 7.50 p.m.) 'British Wireless LONDON, May 6 In the course of a speech to-day Mr. Anthony Eden said: "Our first need now is for a return to good faith between the nations. Without it international society, like human society, can only drift into ever-widening confusion." Mr. Eden said it seemed to him that tho emphasis laid on this need was the most valuable contribution which Colonel Beck made in his remarkable speech. That speech might well servo as a model to statesmen, both for its firmness and for its moderation. It was not a question of morality, but of tho plainest practical politics. WHITEHALL PLEASED TRUE FACTS STATED Independent Cable Seryice LONDON, May 5 Whitehall welcomes Colonel Beck's speech, the firm tone of which, while reasonable and conciliatory, places the facts of the situation in their truo perspective. A memorandum outlining tho Polish view of the German proposals, along the lines of Colonel Beck's speech, has been forwarded to Germany. ITALY'S COSTLY COUP (Received May 7, 5.5 p.m.) ROME, May 6 The occupation of Albania cost Italy £2,800,000.