NEVER CLOSER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 September 1938, Page 5

NEVER CLOSER

FRANCE & BRITAIN ACTING IN UNITY DALADIER’S DECLARATION. FIRM STAND AGAINST GERMANY. LONDON, September 27. The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says that M. Daladier, French Premier, and M. Bonnet, French Foreign Minister, on their return from the conferences with the British Cabinet in London, expressed satisfaction at the cordiality and- mutual confidence of the conversations. M. Daladier said: “French and British solidarity was never closer or more active.” There is reason to believe that henceforth France will no longer remain passive in the face of German military measures, and intends replying to every military move initiated by Germany to enable practical effect to be given to the French guarantee of Czechoslovakia’s independence. It will be necessary to summon the Council of the League of Nations for a special session. It is reported from Prague that the Czechs will send an appeal to the League immediately an act of aggression is committed. M. Daladier reported to the President, M. Lebrun, the London decisions and the latest information from Germany, which is understood to indicate

that many more classes of reservists have been mobilised and the possibility of the whole German army being placed on a war footing. Official circles in Paris emphasise the Anglo-French agreement is complete, including the action to be taken by both countries in the event of an armed conflict. Preparations for eventualities continue. Trenches and shelters are being dug all over the city. Long queues wait at the banks, but there is no panic. People are drawing money only for current needs. Withdrawals from the savings banks are necessary because of the departure of reservists. Reports from the French-German frontier indicate that tension is high. Frontier towns ; are blacked out. Jewish refugees from Central Europe met at Lille today and pledged themselves to stand by the French nation and prove their gratitude by defending the country. Extra trains are necessary to deal with the increasing traffic to the country. Everyone desiring to leave Paris has been invited to do so. The reopening of the State schools has been postponed. More than 43,000 bomb-proof cellar shelters have been completed. A new gas-detection service has been formed, and a new black-out plant approved. PUNJAB LOYALTY WILL STAND BY BRITAIN. SIMLA, September 27. “The Punjab will stand by Britain through thick and thin,” declared the Premier, Captain Sikander Hyat-Khan, at a banquet, amid cheers.