POLISH TENSION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19584, 16 March 1938, Page 5

POLISH TENSION

FRONTIER INCIDENT LITHUANIAN PROVOCATION YEARS OF FRICTION INIMICAL ATTITUDE (Elflc. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. March IC, 10 a.m.) LONDON, March 15. The Warsaw correspondent of The Times says that there are rumours of troop movements on both sides of the frontier and “a state of alarm” is reported to be prevailing at Kovno. These signs warrant the belief that the Polish Government intends to put an end to “Lithuanian provocation” and compel the establishment, after 18 years of continuous friction, of normal diplomatic and trade relations.

After a visit to Italy, where he had conversations with Signor Mussolini, the Polish Foreign Minister, Colonel Joseph Beck, has returned to Warsaw. It is understood that his purpose is promptly tb carry out whatever steps were decided upon for "dealing with the abnormal situation on the PolishLithuanian frontier created by the obstinate refusal of the Lithuanian Government to establish normal neighbourly relations and its persistence in maintaining an inimical attitude towards Poland.”

This is a quotation from an official announcement about a frontier incident at Marckinkance on Friday, when a Polish frontier guard was “ambushed and killed” a few yards inside Lithuanian territory.

The general European atmosphere may be considered to have created a favourable moment for action. Polish public opinion is probably in the mood to support any Government action against Lithuania.

PEACEFUL UNIFICATION

BEST INTERESTS URGED

CONSUL IN SYDNEY

(Rec. March 16, 10 a.m.) SYDNEY, March 15

The Consul-General for Germany, Dr. R. Asmis, said that the action of the German, Government would have no repercussions as long as other nations did not try to interfere.

The unification with Austria was peaceful and was in the best interests of both countries, he said. Ninetyseven per cent of the Austrian people spoke German, and 95 per cent were of German extraction. Austria was, therefore, a German country. A danger spot had been removed and the unification should help to foster and consolidate world peace.