“STRANGE BEDFELLOWS”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23896, 25 August 1939, Page 9

“STRANGE BEDFELLOWS”

RUSSIAN PEOPLE AMAZED SWASTIKA IN THE STREETS FORMER OBJECT OF HATE (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Aug. 23. , The North American Newspaper Alliance, m a special despatch from Moscow, states that Russian officials emphasise that a clause is being inserted under which the pact would be nullified in the event of either signatory attacking a third Power. The Russians want to indicate that the pact does not automatically give Herr Hitler the opportunity for a policy of squeeze against Poland; they also wish to dispel ideas that the Germans are now at liberty to attack Poland, A Moscow message states that Herr von Ribbentrop left the Kremlin after a three-hour conversation. No indication was given concerning whether or when the conference would be resumed. Bystanders gaped with amazement at the bullet-proof car, flying the swastika, which Russians had been taught to hate, followed by cars conveying secret police. Hundreds of extra police cleared the streets. GERMANY DETERMINED VITAL NATIONAL INTERESTS LONDON, Aug. 23. A message from Berchtesgaden says a communication states:—ln compliance with the wish of the British Government the Fuhrer received Sir Nevile Henderson, who handed him a letter from Mr Chamberlain, phrased on the same lines as last night’s Cabinet statement. The Fuhrer left Sir Nevile Henderson in no doubt that the obligations Britain had undertaken could not cause Germany to renounce the pursuance of her national vital interests. FRANCE SEEKS EXPLANATION COMMISSAR EMBARRASSED PARIS, Aug. 23. The Foreign Office issued the following statement:— “M. Molotov was * very embarrassed ’ when M. Naggiar called for an explanation of the Russo-German pact.” It is not stated whe’ther M. Molotov’s reply was regarded as satisfactory. M. Daladier, in a communication after an emergency meeting of the National Defence Council, announced that France was calling up supplementary contingent reservists to the colours to complete the measures already taken. It is understood that this is a prelude to partial mobilisation. NAZISM AND BOLSHEVISM “ SCANDALOUS COLLUSION ” \ PARIS, Aug. 24. (Received Aug. 25, at 1.30 a.m.) Among the few comments on the Moscow Pact, L’Epouque denounces the scandalous collusion of Nazism and Bolshevism and declares that a backward step is impossible unless the democracies want to be-under Herr Hitler’s heel before next year. It concludes: “Let us tell Hitler that if he wants war we are ready.” CONCERN IN AMERICA THE LEADERS CONFERRING WASHINGTON, Aug. 23. Gravely concerned about the crisis. President Roosevelt and Mr Cordell Hull are hastening to Washington, where the question of the United States making a peace move will probably be discussed to-morrow. The Acting Secretary of State, Mr Sumner Welles, advised Americans not to travel to Europe. He added that the American Embassies in France and Poland had warned nationals to leave. A second extraordinary conference of army, navy and civil departmental chiefs was held to-day to discuss American moves after an outbreak of war.

President Roosevelt has ordered the cruiser Tuscaloosa to put in at Sandy Hook, New Jersey, at 8 a.m. to-morrow. A special train with a White House staff is awaiting so that he can work as it speeds to Washington.