POLISH HOSTILITY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19895, 24 March 1939, Page 5

POLISH HOSTILITY

NAZI “ROBBERY” CAMPAIGN DENOUNCED GROWING UNEASINESS ENCIRCLEMENT OF STATE DEMAND FOR DEFENCE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Mar. 24, 10 a.m.) WARSAW, Mar. 23. The seizure of Memel has increased the uneasiness in Poland. The nation sees itself virtually surrounded on three sides by German troops since Lithuania is now regarded as merely a German protectorate with the independence of Latvia and Estonia also threatened.

Apprehension was voiced in Parliament by a Government deputy, M. Dudzinski, who introduced a motion declaring that Poland was endangered by the emergence of the stark imperialism of Germany and demanding courageous decisions instead of a purely defensive foreign policy.

Several thousand members of the Polish Social Democratic Party took part in demonstrations yesterday. Speakers denounced the annexation of Memel, Bohemia and Moravia as robbery. There were cries of: “Down with Germany. We will never give up Danzig.” The police prevented a march to the German Embassy. BETTER FUTURE HOPE FOR ALL NATIONS GUARANTEE OF SECURITY, (Reed. Mar. 24, 9 a.m) LONDON, March 22. The President of France, M. Lebrun, and Madame Lebrun to-day entertained the King and Queen at the French Embassy. 'There were 100 guests, including Queen Mary, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Princess- Royal, and members of the Cabinet. The decorated and crowded streets were reminiscent of the Coronation as the French visitors drove from the palace to- the Guildhall for luncheon. Seated in an open carriage, M. Lebrun headed a brilliant procession, including a Sovereign’s escort of Lifeguards. The guests at the Guildhall included the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the French Foreign Minister, M. Bonnet, and the French Ambassador to London, M. Corbin. M. Lebrun, replying to a toast, said that without opposing themselves to anyone. England and France had hope for a better future for all nations. They desired only the maintenance and strengthening of peace, and were anxious only to guarantee the security and happiness of the rising generations wherever they belonged. They were resolved to undertake everything compatible with dignity and honour to prevent the return of the catastrophes costing so many tears and so much blood.

Paris messages stale the entire French press is very delighted with the reception accorded M. Lebrun in England. The warmth of the welcome extended is regarded as the clearest evidence that the feeling of friendship is more alive even than in 1914. SOLDIERS OF RUMANIA HALF-MILLION HEADY SUICIDE BY GERMAN (Reed. Mar. 24, 10 a.m.) LONDON, March 22. The Bucharest correspondent of the British United Press says that after the calling up of army reservists, 500,000 men will be under arms in Rumania. The streets of the capital are alive with full-equipped troops. The army has requisitioned many taxis and thousands of cart'horses. An official statement says- it is hoped to demobilise the Rumanian forces in 10 to 15 days. The measures taken would not interfere with Rumania’s economic activity. Public apprehension as a result of the partial mobilisation of the Rumanian army was reported to-day to be deepening, despite the reassuring official statements that it was merely precautionary and demobilisation could be expected within a fortnight unlesg something unforeseen occurred.

A cinema audience, mainly soldiers and civil servants, hissed the appearance of Ilerr Hitler in a newsreel.

A later communique stated there was no reason for alarm. The Government was optimistic. The situation had improved compared with three days ago. The grand council of the Front of National Rebirth. King Carol’s single party organisation, is being summoned for Monday to hear a Government declara t ion.

Herr George Schmidt, the secretary of the' German Legation in Bucharest, committed suicide by poison. It is stated that the recent developments caused him to sutler a nervous breakdown. The former Finance Minister, M. Manolescu Strunga, lias been arrested. lie represents the RumaniaGerman dye trust and a German-con-trolled Soya bean company. fJK UMAX'S I'NDKR ARMS (Reed. Mar. 24, 9 a.m) LONDON, Mar. 22. The Daily Express understands that the British' Ambassador to Germany, Sir Nevile Henderson, has informed the Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, that Herr Hitler has about 700,000 men under arms.