EFFECTS OF SPEECH

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

EFFECTS OF SPEECH

COMMENT IN BEELIN FUTURE OF DANZIG HITLER'S PROBABLE REPLY SPECULATION ON RESULT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON. May 5 The impression created in unofficial quarters in Germany by Colonel Beck's speech is that Poland climbed down even farther than Germany expected, says Reuter's Berlin correspondent. This has resulted in an immediate revival of talk to the effect that Germany -will soon absorb Danzig. Herr Hitler is at Berchtesgaden. He was reported to be discussing the speech with Herr von Ribbentrop, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Herr Forster, Nazi leader in Danzig, and Dr. Greiser, president of the Danzig Senate, but this is officially denied. An earlier message from Berlin predicted that a sharp reply from Germany was likely, but that there would be no immediate action toward Danzig. Herr Hitler was expected to increase his demands, but Colonel Beck's clear warning that Poland would not suffer her vital interests to be threatened was noted. First Reactions Abroad

A spokesman for the German Propaganda Ministry said Colonel Beck's speech -was not sufficiently concrete to offer a basis for new negotiations. It was weak and did not answer the Fuehrer directly. Herr von Ribbentrop and Herr Hitler had both offered Poland a 25-vear non-aggression pact. The Polo-German conference on Danzig and the Corridor in October, 1938, had resulted in the Polish rejection of the proposals in a manner indicating: "If you insist it means war." . "Moderate and statesmanlike," is the French view of the/ speech, says a message from Paris. It is hoped that Germany will accept the invitation for an amicable settlement. Comment in British Press In a leading article, commenting on Colonel Beck's speech, the Times points out that if Germany was once installed in Danzig she would go far to make herself supreme in the Baltic. The problem must be settled diplomatically. Danzig alone was not worth war, but an attempt forcibly to solve the problem would be an additional instance of methods which the world is no longer prepared to tolerate. The Daily Telegraph says it considers that it will not be Colonel Beck's fault, if his speech fails to relax the tension. Herr Hitler has no excuse for refusing friendly negotiation. Occasional comments here and in France about Danzig not being worth war are deplorable and calculated to defeat the confidence of the peace front.

ITALY CONSULTED GERMAN MINISTER MEETING AT MILAN VON RIBBENTROP'S MISSION (Received May 7, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 6

The Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, greeted his German colleague, Herr von Ribbentrop, at Milan, and conversations have begun, says a message from Home. In Paris it is reported that Herr von Ribbentrop and Count Ciano will discuss the partition of Slovakia between Germany and Hungary. The Rome correspondent of the Times says well-informed circles believe that Germany will refrain from going to the last extreme with Poland. It is authoritatively asserted that if Germany fails to get what she wants by negotiation she will l approach Russia, the first steps to which have already been taken with a view to squeezing Poland with Russian help. It remains- to obtain Italy's consent and it is for that purpose that Count Ciano and Herr von Ribbentrop aro meeting.

The Independent Cable Service states that children were handed Italian and Nazi paper flags to wave when Herr von Ribbentrop and Count Ciano drove through the streets of Milan, but when the procession had passed only the Italian flags were intact, the Nazi emblems having been torn up and strewn on ground. >•

PEACE POLICY "NO RASH ADVENTURES" ITALIAN EDITOR'S ARTICLE (Received May S, 12.30 a.m.) ROME, May 7 Signor Mussolini's press spokesman, Signor Gayda. in an article in La Voce d'ltalia, entitled "Peace Policy," gives the impression of Italian reluctance to be dragged into rash adventures by Germany. He says the present moment is not propitious for new initiatives. The Milan talks should encourage a settlement, but not produce new agreements to alter the Italo-German understanding. Moreover, no act of general or .particular importance should arise from them.

Italy and Germany intended to offset encirclement by means of a firm and constructive .attitude and also by collaboration, * particularly in the Danube area and the Balkans.

Signor Gavda asserts that Germany desires first a settlement over Danzig by means of self-determination for the people of Danzig, and secondly a Polish initiative for the re-opening of the Polo-German negotiations. Italy hoped Britain and France would allow Poland a free choice. Germany did not intend to precipitate events, but moderation should not bo regarded as an encouragement to stubborness.

KING OF ITALY ■ A VISIT TO BERLIN Independent Cable Service (Received May 7, 9.40 p.m.) PARIS, May 7 The King of Italy will visit Berlin on June 2, says the Berlin correspondent of the Agence Radio.