GROWING TENSION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23894, 23 August 1939, Page 9

GROWING TENSION

*» BRITISH CABINET MEETS THE SITUATION REVIEWED STILL WORKING FOR PEACE (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, Aug. 21. In London principal interest is now fixed on to-morrow's meeting of Ministers, when Lord Halifax will report upon the international situation. This meeting was arranged before the Ministers dispersed on holiday, but in view of the developments of the European situation in the last few days there is satisfaction that Mr Chamberlain and his colleagues will have the opportunity at this stage of reviewing together the more critical position which has followed from the reappearance in Central Europe of the tactics by which the crisis of last September was inaugurated, and from the clamant reiteration in the German press of the impossibility of' compromise upon demands which the whole world knows mean war if they are persisted in. This growing tension is bound to engage the Ministers' most serious attention, though it is generally recognised here tbat Britain has done almost all that lies in its power to ensure peace by defining with precision and clarity its attitude and obligations. > A COMPLETE SURPRISE FACING GRAVE SITUATION LONDON, Aug. 22. (Received Aug. 23, at 2 a.m.) It was stated on high authority that the pact came as a complete surprise to British Ministers. The consensus of opinion in Whitehall is that a situation of the utmost gravity faces the Cabinet. Crowds gathered at Whitehall, watching Ministers come and go. ANGLO-POLISH PACT BRITAIN'S OBLIGATIONS BERLIN, Aug. 21. The National Zeitung, Field-mar-shal Goering's mouthpiece, questions whether the Anglo-Polish pact will contain a clause under which Britain will regard any change in the political position bf Danzig as automatically involving fulfilment of British obligations. "The week now commmencing will bring a decision in regard to this and other important questions." POUND NOT SURPRISED RUSSIA NEVER RELIED ON WARSAW, Aug. 22. (Received Aug. 23, at 1.15 a.m.) It has been reported that Poland was not surprised, as more than once it had been pointed out that the Soviet did not desire to involve herself in European affairs. Other countries might have spared themselves disappointment if they had heeded the Polish views. It is stated that the Polish programme and policy never envisaged Russian help. MOSCOW CONFIRMS REPORT MOSCOW, Aug. 22. (Received Aug. 23, at \ a.m.) An official announcement confirmed the intention of Russia and Germany to conclude a non-aggres-sion pact. OPINION IN HUNGARY POLAND'S FATE SEALED BUDAPEST, Aug. 22. (Received Aug. 23, at 1 a.m.) It is considered that Poland's fate is sealed and that Western Powers are now unable to assist any small Powers in the east of Europe.