TENSION RELAXED IN MEMEL

Southland Times, Issue 23648, 25 October 1938, Page 5

TENSION RELAXED IN MEMEL

Lithuania May Make Concessions FEAR OF INTERVENTION BY GERMANY (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) LONDON, October 23. The tension has relaxed slightly as a result of reports from Kaunas, the capital, that Lithuania is prepared to make concessions to the Memel Germans to avoid explosions, says the Memel correspondent of The Daily Telegraph. It is reliably stated that far-reaching modifications are contemplated in the State protection law, which has been opposed on the ground that it will per-

petuate a different form of martial law, which has been enforced for 12 years. There is also talk of a non-aggression pact between Poland and Lithuania. The annexation of Austria and Sudetenland has deeply stirred the Memel Germans, who feel that their turn should be next. There is continued danger that hotheads will stir up any incident resulting in the killing of Germans, leading to Germany’s ■ intervention.

It is believed that Germany is at present attempting to apply the brake and Lithuania, scenting danger, seems to be preparing for a policy of friendship with Germany.