SECOND EDITION NAZI EXPLAINS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23432, 23 August 1939, Page 13

SECOND EDITION NAZI EXPLAINS

♦ : —; — PACT WITH SOVIET NOT AGAINST BRITAIN NO POLISH COMMENT DANZIG LEADER'S SPEECH By Telegrap.h—Press Association —Copyright (Received Augnst 23, 1.30 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 22 An official German spokesman in Berlin declared the Russo-German pact was not extraordinary. It was only natural that Germany should strive to break thrpugh the encirclers. "The difference between our action and Britain's," he said, "is that we are not concluding a pact with Moscow aimed against Britain, whereas England tried to conclude one aimed against Germany." It is emphasised that the pact does not affect domestic policy. It is pointed out that Turkey is on excellent terms with Moscow, but does not tolerate a single Communist at home. Von Ribbentrop's Journey Herr von Bibbentrop, accompanied by Dr. Cans and an interpreter Herr Schmidt will stay overnight at -Konigsberg and will arrive in Moscow tomorrow. It is explained that Russia and Germany each will maintain its own political philosophy, but the -two Powers will adjust their political relations. The Berlin correspondent of the British "United Press says the public is nonplussed at the news, which is published with large headlines, but without explanation. It is still generally believed that Herr Hitler will get what he wants without war, but there is no doubt the German nation will fight to the last man if necessary. . Polish Press Calm Not a single report of an anti-German tendency appears in the Polish press, which gives the impression that not only is there no tension between Germany and Poland, but no questions are at issue between them. The'only comment on the Busso-German pact is: "What will become of the GermanJapanese Alliance?" The leader of the Danzig- Nazis, Herr Albert Forster, addressing the congress of German jurists, said: "You will be able to say you were the last body to meet in the so-called Free City, winch is nearing its end." Herr Forster was in excellent spirits. Italian Claims on France The Rome newspapers give prominence to the Busso-German pact. II Popolo di Roma claims that Danzig should not be confused with the question of Polish independence, and that the situation is still open to negotiation. It is stated in Fascist circles that Signor Mussolini is expected to - press his demands against France. • In Bumania it is considered Poland might as well lay down her arms. A crisis is expected on Friday. The Norwegian Foreign Minister, Herr Koht, stated in Oslo that thd question of the Powers mediating in an effort to maintain peace would be discussed at a conference to-morrow.

A message from the Vatican City says the Pope is considering making a world broadcast for peace on September 6.

COMPLETE SURPRISE BRITISH MINISTERS GRAVITY OF SITUATION CROWDS IN WHITEHALL (Received August 23, 1.55 aim.) LONDON, Aug. 22 It is stated on high authority that the pact was a complete surprise to British Ministers. The consensus of opinion in Whitehall is that a situation of the utmost gravity faces the Cabinet. Crowds are gathering in Whitehall watching Ministers come and go. JAPAN'S POSITION MINISTERS' CONFERENCE (.Received August 23, 1.55 a.m.) LONDON, <Ang. 22 The Japanese Prime Minister, Baron Hiranuma, and the War Minister, General Itagaki, conferred on the newsituation arising from the Russo-Ger-man pact. " A message from Peking says it is expected Russia will drive into China now she is free in Europe. It is Japan has learned a bitter lesson about the value of the Anti-Comintern-Pact assurances. TALKS TO CONTINUE STAFFS IN MOSCOW (Received August 23, 1.30 a.m.) PARIS, Aug. 22 The French Foreign Office announces that the military conversations with the Soviet will continue in spite of the Rnsso-German pact.