DANZIG PROBLEM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23796, 1 May 1939, Page 9

DANZIG PROBLEM

THE POSITION OF POLAND BRITAIN’S GUARANTEE AGREEMENT INFRINGED BERLIN, Apl. 28. Referring to Poland, Herr Hitler said: “ There is little to be said with regard to the relations between Poland and Germany. The strange way in which the Corridor was marked out was primarily designed to prevent the establishment of an understanding between Poland and Germany. This problem is perhaps most painful for Germany. Danzig is German, and wishes to belong to Germany. On the other hand, Danzig has contracts with Poland, admittedly forced on her by the dictates of Versailles. Since the League of Nations is now represented by a High Commissioner—incidentally, a man of extraordinary tact—Danzig must come up for discussion, with the gradual extinction of this calamitous institution.” Herr Hitler revealed that several months ago he made the following offer to Poland:—First, Danzig’s return as a free city into the framework of the Reich. Secondly, Germany to receive a route across the Corridor, with the railway at her disposal, possessing the same extraterritorial status for Germany as the Corridor for Poland. In return, Germany was prepared to offer the following:— First, to recognise all Polish rights in Danzig. Secondly, to ensure Poland a free harbour in Danzig of any size desired, also completely free access to the sea. Thirdly, final acceptance of existing Polish-German boundaries. Fourthly, to conclude a 25-year Polish - German non - aggression treaty. Fifthly, to guarantee the independence to Slovakia jointly by Germany, Poland, and Hungary, meaning the renunciation of unilateral German hegemony in this territory. Poland Rejects Offer Poland rejected his offer, declaring that she was prepared only, first, to negotiate concerning a substitute for the League’s commissioner; secondly, to consider transport facilities across the Corridor. Referring to Britain’s guarantee to Poland, the Fuhrer said: “This obligation is contrary to the agreement I made with Marshal Pilsudski, for which reason I regard the agreement as unilaterally infringed by Poland, and no longer in existence. “ I sent a communication to Poland to this effect. Should Poland wish to reach fresh arrangements governing her relations with Germany, I can but welcome the idea, provided the arrangements are based on absolutely clear obligations by both parties in equal measure. Germany, at any time, is willing to undertake such obligations and fulfil them.”

POLAND PUZZLED NO KNOWLEDGE' OF OFFER JUDGE OF OWN AFFAIRS AGREEMENT WITH BRITAIN WARSAW, Apl. 28. Official circles are most astonished at Herr Hitler’s reference to the 25 years’ non-aggression offer, and declare that they have no knowledge of it. Official reaction to the denunciation of the Polish-German pact was expressed by the Government spokesman. “ Poland, as always, favours good neighbour relations. The German attitude to Danzig is not sufficiently important to disturb relations. Poland has always treated Germany’s corridor communications favourably, although Germany has often failed to fulfil her obligations. These communications can be discussed but not on the basis of extraterritoriality, because motor roads are unnecessary for Germany and only a pretext to disorganise her neighbours. Germany recently used a policy of pressure for a fait accompli eastward. It cannot be applied to Poland because we know the answer. Poland must be her own judge of Poland’s interests. It is for Poland to decide whether Polish and British rapprochement is compatible with the Polish-German agreement. Germany has made an exchange of views impossible since April 6.” POLISH PRESS COMMENT SPEECH UNCONVINCING WARSAW, Apl. 29. (Received Apl. 30, at 9 p.m.) The official journal, Gazeta Polska, says: “ Herr Hitler’s speech is unconvincing, particularly with regard to Czechoslovakia. He proposes negotiations, but no one is anxious to undertake them because Germany denounces agreements unilaterally whenever it suits her.”