FATE OF DANZIG

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23885, 12 August 1939, Page 13

FATE OF DANZIG

EARLY RETURN TO REICH LIBERATION AT HAND HERR FOERSTER’S SPEECH REPLY TO POLISH THREATS (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Cop/right) DANZIG, Aug. 10. Herr Foerster, addressing a crowd whose thunderous roars, “ We want to return, to the Reich! ” drowned his opening words, declared that the meeting was assembled at a serious moment to protest against the threats of war uttered by Polish newspapers and speakers. Anybody expecting sensational announcements that night would be mistaken. Danzigers had shown their love of peace. If the Polish threats had not been so serious they would have been content to pass them over.

“ However, since they continue and since the threats are even supported by official Polish utterances, the time has come to bring our viewpoint before the world in no uncertain terms,” he stated. He cited the Polish utterances as proof that Poland wishes to establish a protectorate in Danzig. He declared, “ It must be clear to us and the whole German people, as well as to sensible foreigners, that such constantly repeated Polish vituperation cannot continue. We have done everything possible in recent weeks to defend ourselves in answer to attacks of every kind.

“Threats of war, however challenging, do not frighten Danzig, because the people, on the basis of previous experience, have faith in Nazi leadership, and know it will do the right thing at the right time.” Herr Foerster denounced AngloFrench meddling in Danzig’s affairs.

"Danzig has been purely_ a German city since its foundation. The people fear Marshal Smigly-Rydz’s guns as little as their forefathers feared the cannon of a Polish king. The rights of self-determination were violated at Versailles, after which Danzig was reduced to second place to Gdynia, proving that Danzig gets only economic disadvantages and not advantages from Poland. The Danzig people are absolutely clear and firm in their conviction that liberation is at hand and that Danzig will again return to the Reich. We can do nothing better than swear that we will hold together and resist every attack on holy German soil. The Fuhrer will stand at our side in the event of a Polish attack. Loyalty to Herr Hitler At the conclusion of Herr Foerster’s speech a telegram was sent to Herr Hitler, saying: “My Fuhrer, tens of thousands of Danzig people are assembled to protest against threats to bombard Danzig with cannon, and they look to you confidently. We greet you with unshakcable loyalty.” Enthusiasm of Crowds The Lange Market was jammed with 30,000 people, and another 20,000 were in the adjacent streets, while 50,000 assembled at various points in the suburbs, where loud speakers were installed. The crowds frequently interrupted the speech with Nazi slogans, such as “ One folk, one Reich! One Reich, one Fuhrer! ” and shouts of “ We want to return to the Reich.” The crowds roared with laughter when Herr Foerster cited the opinions of English and French statesmen, including Mr Lloyd George and Mr Winston Churchill, to the effect that the Polish Corridor was a mistake. They hissed v/hen he read out inflammatory statements from the Polish newspapers, and the recent threat by Marshal Smigly-Rydz that Danzig would be the first stage of a crusade against Germany.

HERR HITLER LISTENS-IN DELIGHTED WITH SPEECH BERLIN, Aug. 10. The restrained tone of Herr Foerster’s speech is welcomed in Berlin, where the opinion is expressed that he stated the case clearly and moderately. Poland and the world know exactly where he stands. Herr Hitler and his staff listenedin at Berchtesgaden. They were gratified at the shouts of “ We want to return to the Reich.” REACTION IN WARSAW ISSUES NOT CHANGED WARSAW, Aug. 10. Official circles decline to comment, but in responsible circles it was indicated that the speech had not changed the fundamental issues, despite its harsh tone against Poland, v/hich is regarded as an indication that Herr Hitler has not yet made up his mind. The English and French Ambassadors called on Colonel Beck, Foreign Minister. AN EARLIER MESSAGE BROADCAST STATEMENT LONDON, Aug. 10. The white-hot anticipation and apprehension over what Herr Foer-

ster would say was illustrated by an unprecedented statement broadcast from all Polish stations in Polish and German. It said: It is known that Herr Foerster saw Herr Hitler at Berchtesgaden. We hope that in his speech he will bear in mind the words of Marshal Smigly-Rydz, namely, that Poland knows no peace which means that one must give and another receive. Polish circles interpret this as an unmistakable warning to Danzig, from where it was reported that Herr Foerster might make some proclamation as the result of his visit to Berchtesgaden. EFFECT ON STOCK MARKET DULL CONDITIONS LONDON, Aug. 11. (Received Aug. 12, at 1.45 a.m.) Herr Foerster’s speech is reflected in dull conditions on the Stock Market. Danzig bonds declined and 5 per cents, fell one-half to 17.