DANZIG DISPUTE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23882, 9 August 1939, Page 9

DANZIG DISPUTE

CONTROL OF CUSTOMS POLAND'S PROTEST REJECTED REGARDED AS PROVOCATIVE. (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Aug. 7. The British United Press correspondent at Danzig states that the Danzig Senate sent a Note to M. Chodacki rejecting Poland's Note of August 6 regarding Customs officials. The Polish Note was described as provocative and based on false rumours. The Senate refuses to acknowledge Polish officials unless snecially trained for Customs v/ork. NAZI ALLEGATION TREATY CONTRAVENED DANZIG, Aug. 7. The Senate's reply to Poland's, protest expresses willingness to discuss matters, therefore it cannot be regarded as rejection, but it contends that the display of arms by Polish Customs officials contravenes the treaty, and protests against threatened Polish counter-measures.

The Nazi leaders, Herr Foerster and Herr Zaske, flew to Germany to consult Herr Hitler.

The League Commissioner (Herr Burckhardt) is endeavouring to allay Polish dissatisfaction with the reply. The Senate, apparently instigated by Germany, promised M. Chodacki to investigate the Customs dispute with reference to herrings and margarine. This has helped to ease the tension.

A Customs inspector named Jan Lipinski was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment for insulting Herr Hitler and Dr Goebbels.

POLISH PAPER'S THREAT VIOLENT GERMAN REACTION BERLIN, Aug. 8. (Received Aug. 9, at 1 a.m.) An article published in a Warsaw newspaper named Czas, threatening that Poland will blow Danzig to bits if it unites with Germany, provoked violent reactions in the German press. The Volkischer Beobachter says: "Poland is not in a position to challenge vastly superior forces. Those who mistake Germany's peaceful intentions for boundless patience make a profound mistake." The Borsen Zeitung says: "If we one day lose patience an impertinent challenger cannot hope for mercy." The remainder of the press similarly comments. / GERMAN BOMBING PLANE POLISH FRONTIER CROSSED WARSAW, Aug. 7. It is officially stated that Polish Customs control in Danzig will be fully maintained. A twin-engined German bombing plane from Danzig crossed the Polish frontier between Zoppot and Orlowo. Polish anti-aircraft guns drove it into the clouds. 1 A Polish military seaplane crashed in Polish waters while circling the German steamer Hansestadt at Danzig, apparently photographing her. The Germans rescued the crew of two and took them to Zoppot. The seaplane was sunk. The Senate sent letters to 83 of the 110 Customs officials, ordering them to give up their jobs and leave Danzig before Sunday. Poland thereupon sent a stern ultimatum complaining of a flagrant violation of the Polish-Danzig agreement, and gave the Senate until Friday evening to cancel the orders. This was the first actual ultimatum from PO' land since the Danzig question became acute.