PACT TERMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23433, 24 August 1939, Page 11

PACT TERMS

MUTUAL PLEDGES ROME VERSION DENUNCIATION CLAUSE ISOLATION OF POLAND By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, Aug. 22 It is reported that the proposed Russo-German pact would pledge each Power to abstain from attacking the other, says a message from Home. Secondly, in the event of one party being the victim of an attack by a third party, the other would remain neutral. Thirdly, in the event of either committing an act of aggression, the other might denounce the agreement. There is nil inclination in high places to await a revelation from Moscow as to what the Soviet has really committed herself to, and whether it is true, as is reported from Home, that there is a clause bestowing liberty on Russia to go to the assistance of any neighbour with whom she has a pact who feels that she is a victim of aggression. Effect In East Mediterranean Signor Mussolini's press mouthpiece, Signor Gayda, savs Poland is isolated. The pact will not affect other agreements which Russia may hut it does exclude the possibility of Russia being dragged into operations against Germany. This affects not only Poland, but the East Mediterranean, where the policy of encirclement is especially intense. The Rome correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says it is understood that Signor Mussolini was fully informed of the Russo-German pact negotiations, of which he approved as likely to secure not only Germany's Polish aims, but also satisfaction for Italy's claims on France. However, the Evening Standard's diplomatic correspondent, says an Independent Cable Service message, states on the highest authority that Germany did not inform Italy of the proposed pact with Russia. Vatican quarters greet the pact as "a possible contribution to peace" and welcomes it for that reason. Interesting Developments Ahead An official German • spokesman at Berlin says Germany is preserving a waiting attitude until the Russian pact is signed. Danzig must come back to the Reich. Interesting developments are ahead, he says. The Berlin correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain points out that Germany lias non-aggression pacts with all Poland's neighbours, meaning that none can oppose her if she decides to strike at Poland. It is semi-officially stated in Berlin that the pact represents a permanent European realignment, and not a mere tactical manoeuvre. It is an event of immense historical importance, decisively affecting long-term GermanoRtissian relations. The newspapers in the Baltic States welcome the Russo-German pact as a notable peace factor. JAPAN'S POSITION SAFEGUARDS EXPECTED ANTI-COMMUNIST PACT HITLER'S MASTER-STROKE Independent Cable Service (Received August 21, 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 23 The Japanese Foreign Office spokesman, Mr. T. Kawai, said he was unable to interpret the Russo-German pact. Japan, however, expected Germany to provide stipulations to avoid inconsistency with the anti-Communist Pact.

The spokesman added that he did not think the pact would affect Japan's fixed policy to . create a new order in Eastern Asia.

The J)omoi news agency quotes a Foreign Ministry statement that the pact is a master-stroke by Herr Hitler, enabling him to settle the Danzig question while not contravening the antiCommunist Pact and not changing Japan's policy in Asia. A Hongkong message says it is reliably stated that the Soviet is sending 200 aircraft and other war equipment to aid the Chinese Air Force and is also lending experts and pilots. This move is the result of a big barter deal. THE KING'S RETURN Independent Cablo Service (Received August 23, 10.15 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. i? 3 The King will return to London tonight from Balmoral, but the Queen and the Princesses will remain in Scotland.