THE RISK OF WAR

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

THE RISK OF WAR

GERMANY NOT ANXIOUS REACTION IN BRITAIN AN OPTIMISTIC VIEW (Independent Cable Service) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) ' LONDON, Aug. 21. The Evening Standard says a fairly optimistic view prevails in British Government circles despite the increase in international tension. Official circles do not believe that Germany is anxious to risk war, while England and France have made every effort to leave no doubt that an attack on Poland would mean a general conflict. The correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain in Zilina (Slovakia) reports that 250,000 German troops, accompanied by artillery and aircraft, are now stationed on the Slovak frontier, Poland's southern flank. POSITION IN POLAND BRITONS ADVISED TO LEAVE WARSAW, Aug. 22. (Received Aug. 23, at 0.15 a.m.) Count Lipski, the Polish Ambassador, arrived at midnight in a special plane from Berlin and immediately conferred with Colonel Beck. The Government in the early hours discussed the situation in view of the reported non-aggression pact. The press advised the public to store a fortnight's supply of food against emergencies. The British Consul-general conveyed a message to British citizens in Poland, advising them that while he does not wish to cause alarm, he thinks the situation is such that they should leave Poland while communications are still good unless they have special reasons for staying. LEADER OF DANZIG NAZIS I SPEECH AT CONGRESS DANZIG, Aug. 22. (Received Aug. 23, at 0.15. a.m.) Herr Foerster will speak to-night at the opening of the congress of German jurists. Dr Frank, who arrived yesterday, will also speak. POLISH TROOP MOVEMENTS NORMAL PRECAUTION WARSAW, Aug. 21. The considerable Polish troop movements toward the western and Slovakian frontiers are regarded as a normal precaution in view of the German dispositions. The public is not perturbed, chiefly because the threat of German invasion long antedates the present crisis. The newspapers predict that it will only be a matter of days before Germany's final demands are presented. PRESSURE ON HUNGARY BUT NEUTRALITY DESIRED BUDAPEST, Aug. 21. The Foreign Minister, Count Csaky, declared that an independent and strong Hungary was essential to the political balance of Europe. He emphasised that neither in Germany nor in Italy was anything demanded from her. The journal Nemetzo partially sheds light on Count Csaky's journeyings, declaring that Germany, realising that Hungary is indispensable for a push eastwards, wants to attach her politically, militarily, and economically, leaving an outward form of independence. It adds that Hungarians have no illusions about the outcome of such an attachment, and Admiral Horthy is doing his utmost to combat German pressure. Hungary is very loth to be drawn into war against her friend Poland in the fateful hours approaching. Hungary desires neutrality, but realises that Hungarian integrity cannot be preserved without Poland's independence. DANZIG CUSTOMS DISPUTE EFFORT TO FIND SOLUTION DANZIG, Aug. 21. Officials of the Polish Ministry of Finance conferred with representatives of the Senate and the chief inspector of Customs in an effort to settle the prolonged Customs dispute- „ . , The two Polish Customs officials who were arrested on August 16 on charges of distributing anti-Nazi leaflets have been released. Some 250 German jurists arrived with the Minister, Dr Frank, and Herr Statthalter and Dr Seyes Inquart, in order to hold meetings to emphasise why Danzig should legally return to Germany. THE ITALIAN LEADER NO THOUGHT OF MEDIATING ROME, Aug. 21. Dr Gayda says Signor Mussolini will not mediate over Danzig. He has already told Poland to negotiate directly with Germany and make the necessary adjustments or suffer the consequences. THE FRENCH CABINET MEETING HELD YESTERDAY PARIS, Aug. 21. M. Daladier and Mr Hore-Belisha i conferred at the War Ministry and < covered the international situation in great detail. The French Cabi- j net will meet to-morrow. l